Your team is at odds over work style priorities. How can you find common ground and move forward effectively?

1 Assess Needs

To resolve conflicts over work style priorities, start by assessing the needs of your team members. Hold a meeting where everyone can voice their preferences and concerns without interruption. This open forum encourages transparency and helps you understand the underlying reasons for their favored approaches. Whether it's a need for more structured schedules or a desire for creative freedom, identifying these needs is crucial for finding a solution that accommodates everyone.

2 Set Objectives

Once the team's needs are on the table, it's time to align on common objectives. Focus on the shared goals that everyone is working towards, regardless of their individual work styles. This might involve setting clear project milestones or defining the overall mission of your team. By emphasizing the end result rather than the means of getting there, you can create a sense of unity and purpose that transcends personal preferences.

3 Create Flexibility

Creating flexibility within the team structure is key to accommodating diverse work styles. Consider implementing flexible work hours or allowing for remote work where possible. This not only shows respect for individual preferences but also can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Remember, flexibility doesn't mean a lack of structure; it means adapting the structure to fit the team's needs.

4 Establish Norms

To maintain harmony and prevent future conflicts, establish team norms that reflect a balance of work styles. These could include guidelines on communication, decision-making processes, or even how meetings are conducted. Norms should be co-created with input from all team members to ensure buy-in and should be revisited regularly to make sure they continue to serve the team well.

5 Foster Respect

Fostering respect among team members is crucial for conflict resolution. Encourage your team to appreciate different work styles and the unique perspectives they bring. Highlighting each member's contributions can build a culture of respect and collaboration. When team members value each other's approaches, they're more likely to find common ground and work together effectively.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?