Your team is divided on a creative direction. How do you bring everyone together to create something amazing?

1 Listen First

Listening is the cornerstone of resolving creative conflicts. Encourage each team member to express their vision and concerns without interruption. This not only helps everyone feel heard and valued but also provides a clearer understanding of the different perspectives. As a team manager, actively listening to your team's ideas and worries allows you to identify common ground and appreciate the unique contributions each person can make to the project.

2 Encourage Debate

Healthy debate can be incredibly productive in a team setting. Facilitate a structured discussion where all viewpoints are debated respectfully. This process can lead to a deeper understanding of the options and help the team to see the merits and drawbacks of each direction. Encouraging debate also fosters a culture where creativity is stimulated, and team members feel comfortable challenging each other's ideas in a constructive manner.

3 Find Common Ground

Finding common ground is essential when your team is divided. After everyone has shared their thoughts, work together to identify the shared values and goals that underpin the project. Highlighting these shared objectives can act as a beacon, guiding your team back to a collaborative path. It's the shared commitment to these goals that will help your team move past individual preferences towards a collective creative vision.

4 Merge Ideas

Innovation often emerges from the combination of different ideas. Encourage your team to merge their diverse perspectives into a cohesive plan. This collaborative approach not only respects individual contributions but also leads to a richer, more nuanced creative direction. By blending various elements from each proposal, you create a hybrid solution that is more likely to satisfy the entire team and lead to an exceptional outcome.

5 Assign Roles

Once a direction is agreed upon, assigning clear roles and responsibilities is crucial for maintaining unity and focus. Ensure that each team member understands their part in bringing the creative vision to life. Assigning roles based on individual strengths and interests will not only boost morale but also increase the likelihood of project success. This clarity helps to prevent overlaps and confusion, keeping the project on track.

6 Maintain Momentum

To keep the project moving forward, it's important to maintain momentum. Set regular check-ins and deadlines to ensure progress is being made and to address any emerging issues promptly. Celebrate small wins along the way to keep morale high and remind your team of the progress you're making together. This consistent forward motion reinforces the collaborative spirit and keeps everyone motivated toward the end goal.