You're managing a research project with team members who don't get along. How can you keep the peace?

1 Define the scope and goals

The first step to manage a research project with team members who don't get along is to clearly define the scope and goals of the project. What are the main research questions, objectives, and deliverables? How will you measure the progress and success of the project? What are the roles and responsibilities of each team member? How will you communicate and coordinate with each other? By establishing a common vision and expectations, you can reduce ambiguity, confusion, and frustration among your team members and align them towards a shared purpose.

2 Build trust and rapport

The second step to manage a research project with team members who don't get along is to build trust and rapport among them. Trust and rapport are the foundation of any effective teamwork, especially in research, where you need to rely on each other's expertise, feedback, and contributions. To build trust and rapport, you can start by getting to know your team members on a personal and professional level. Acknowledge their efforts and achievements, give positive and constructive feedback, and recognize their contributions. Facilitate communication and collaboration by using various channels and platforms to communicate regularly. Support and empower your team members with the resources they need to do their best work. Resolve any conflicts or issues that arise quickly and fairly. By taking these steps, you can create a strong foundation for your team to work together effectively.

4 Monitor and evaluate

The fourth step to manage a research project with team members who don't get along is to monitor and evaluate the project and the team performance. Monitoring and evaluating are essential to guarantee that your project is on track, within budget, and of quality. Additionally, they are important to assess how well your team is working together, identify strengths and weaknesses of the team, and recognize areas for improvement. To monitor and evaluate, you can utilize some of these methods: set and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and milestones for your project; conduct regular feedback sessions with your team members; review and update your project plan and team agreement as needed. By setting KPIs and milestones, you can monitor the status and performance of your project, while feedback sessions will let you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your project and your team. Moreover, reviewing and updating your project plan and team agreement will ensure that your project is aligned with changing circumstances.

5 Motivate and inspire

The fifth step to manage a research project with team members who don't get along is to motivate and inspire them. Motivation and inspiration are essential for engagement, performance, and satisfaction of your team members, as well as overcoming any challenges or conflicts that may arise. To motivate and inspire your team, you can connect the project to a bigger purpose and impact. Explain the benefits and outcomes of the research, and how it contributes to a larger goal or vision. Show them how their work makes a difference and adds value. Empathize with their needs and emotions, understand what drives them, recognize their feelings during the project, provide support, encouragement, and recognition. Challenge and stimulate their growth by providing opportunities to learn new skills and acquire knowledge. Assign tasks that match their interests, abilities, and goals. Encourage them to take risks, experiment, and innovate while helping them overcome any fears or doubts they have.

6 Have fun and enjoy

The sixth and final step to manage a research project with team members who don't get along is to have fun and enjoy the process. Doing so can boost morale, energy, and creativity, as well as strengthen bonds, trust, and rapport among them. To make the project more engaging and entertaining, incorporate some fun and humor into your activities, such as jokes, games, quizzes, or puzzles. Additionally, invite your team members to join social or recreational events like lunches, coffee breaks, happy hours, or outings. Celebrating project achievements and milestones is also a great way to show gratitude and appreciation for their contributions. Ultimately, having fun and enjoying the project reminds everyone of the positive moments they experienced together.

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?