Your team is at odds over problem-solving methods. How can you navigate personality clashes effectively?

The good thing about such situation is the team wants to do what is best for the overall project/team, and the disagreement is about the best way to get there. In such situation mapping out problem solving methods along with their pros and cons is a great start to eliminate the less feasible approaches, and then doing a deeper dive on the remaining 2-3 would enable the team to agree collectively on the best method, without being told what they have to do and why. Self-organising teams perform best because they feel their contribution matters and each of them had a role to play in resolution. Such approach would contribute to a much more open dialogue, alignment of common goals, and even foster unity.

When navigating personality clashes over problem-solving, the CALM program offers valuable techniques. Start with active listening—truly understanding others rather than just waiting to speak. Encourage summarizing and paraphrasing to confirm understanding. Practice assertive communication by clearly expressing needs without being aggressive or passive. Emotional awareness is key; recognize and manage your emotions to prevent conflict from escalating. The right language—including tone and body language—matters, so avoid common triggers. Finally, foster a positive mindset by challenging biases, encouraging empathy, and seeing things from others' perspectives to create better collaboration.

When personality clashes arise, it's essential to recognize that each team member's approach is rooted in their unique cognitive style, values, and past experiences. Rather than trying to change individuals, focus on creating a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated. Ask yourself: What are the underlying needs and concerns driving each person's approach? By understanding these underlying factors, you can help your team members find common ground and develop a shared sense of purpose.