You're at odds with colleagues over research resources. How will you navigate this conflict?

It is important to communicate effectively about the concerns about the issues. There will be clashes when it comes to collaboration, however it is important to resolve it in a calm way and understanding.

One thing I have found helpful is to set the expectations at the beginning to avoid any misunderstanding or confusion regarding the role, responsibilities, and credit.

In research, resources are always limited in that case generally the PI tries to distribute the research resources impartially. If one feels that there is an unfair distribution, the person should speak to their PI and set up a moderation meeting with the other person(s) involved in it. One should list their research needs and provide a proper explanation and reasons why they might think the distribution of resources is unfair. There can be multiple times that there is a lack of communication or misunderstanding so communicating and putting forward one's own needs and importance while respecting the other person is a simple but highly effective technique to find a solution.

Overcoming this barrier is very critical and most of the project manager fails due to the ego and concern. Most effective way is manager should approach directly and assign the task effectively. Still there is conflicts arise dealing in official communication is most effective way. This will held both responsible for assigning and performing the task in stipulated time period. Direct communication is effective and Manager should take initiative to avoid the conflicts and get work done rather than making issue.

Accept the fact that resources are scarce. Think deeply how to diversify resources sources — are all colleagues fixated on similar traditional research resources providers? Sourcing resources requires being innovative as well. Your research topic is it novel or could it not benefit from related past researches? What about leveraging online repository resources — not necessarily funds, rather researched and peer reviewed work with open access to the public. It’s therefore important to think outside the box by either diversifying sources of research resources or delving deeper into online resources that could provide secondary information to your research topic. In the world of declining resources, collaboration is inevitable.

An open source environment gives an open source data for a vibrant research environment and vice versa. Communication of set goals and objectives, underlining how the research pans out, the intended results and getting the whole team on board is critical to the success of the research/project.

I have encountered similar conflicts in past research projects, and I’ve found that open dialogue is crucial for resolution. Here are my two cents on this: Acknowledge the conflict and aim for a calm, unbiased discussion where all parties can express their concerns. Organize a structured discussion where all parties can express their concerns and needs. It’s essential to explain the rationale behind the current resource allocation clearly and to explore possible adjustments or alternatives. The goal is to reach a consensus that prioritizes the timely and successful completion of the project. Ultimately, fairness and transparency should guide the process, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.

When you have a dialogue, it means two (or more) persons communicating. Listen with the intent of understanding and not just to respond. Be clear about your position and also see things through the lens of your colleague. If mutual respect exists, a solution can be reached.

Communicate clearly:?Create a safe space for open dialogue where everyone can express their concerns and perspectives without fear of judgment.? ? Practice active listening:?Validate others' feelings and experiences.?

One thing I have found helpful is listening and viewing things from other people's perspective, this way I don't limit them or myself to my knowledge but it gives room to build on already existing known ways and methodologies.

Like i said in the above argument. Rather than wasting time on clashes over the resources use. You can communicate to higher authority in such cases your principal investigator- he or she can navigate you though the alternatives or based on the usage in the lab they can order new machine or chemical over which their is a dispute. More importantly the best way to- is to change your experiment timeline and developing that understanding about one’s requirements for a specific time then you can use it gives a sense of calmness at the end of the day. Both the parties are happy after conducting their experiment or work.

Reduzir ou dividir o projeto. Mudar os testes previstos. Buscar parceiros. Pedir verba adicional, reavaliar cronogramas.

Exploring alternatives includes evaluating the options by considering the pros and cons of each, which provides deeper insight and clarity on how best to allocate and utilize of resources.

Some resource constraints can be overcome by aligning research objectives with project goals, allowing multiple objectives to be achieved with limited resources. This requires careful deliberation among the team to ensure that all aspects are considered and no one is left behind. Keeping an open mind and being willing to adapt can turn potential conflicts into constructive developments that enrich both your work and professional relationships. Additionally, exploring alternative resources can sometimes lead to unexpected advantages, such as discovering more sustainable or cost-effective options that benefit your research beyond the immediate project.

Explorar alternativas como: la búsqueda de fuentes de financiación adicionales, la consideración de diferentes materiales o equipos, o el ajuste de los plazos del proyecto. Valga la redundancia, es una excelente alternativa cuando los recursos para una investigación son limitados. Pero, quizás, la alternativa que te planteaste, no haya sido la mejor, quizás haya otras mejores o que no hayas explorado. Por eso, consultar con los colegas o mejor con algún especialista en finanzas, podría ser una buena opción.

To handle the conflict over research resources with your colleagues, start by having an open conversation with them. It's important to share your concerns and listen to theirs so everyone understands each other's needs and priorities. Try to find common ground and look for ways to allocate resources fairly. You could suggest sharing resources or collaborating on projects that benefit everyone. The key is to approach the situation with a spirit of cooperation and be willing to compromise to find a solution that works for everyone.

Eisenhower matrix is one concept that has helped me over the years! Prioritize-Delegate-Do-Kill approach! As a manager, you need to pick your tasks carefully, harnessing the strengths of the team by assigning tasks according to specialty. This is key to team effectiveness.

The goal in research is to achieve significant and impactful outcomes, often by utilizing resources efficiently. This can lead to benefits such as reduced operating costs and increased profitability. Conflicts are inevitable in research because of the diversity and complexity in work to be done amongst different or similar teams. When these conflicts do occur, which they will; it is crucial to actively listen, negotiate and communicate to colleagues, identify common ground, and collaborate to achieve the best possible outcomes for the greater good of the organisation. This should be prioritised.

The better the planning for the step of research equal and fair distribution of attention by each teammate to each task in sequence. Due to any issue which may potentially arise, one should definitely have to give more time and effort to fulfill that particular task. However, when one defers rest of the task for later, one should also make sure it's efficacy are not affected in the end results.

Considero que se ha cumplido con este aspecto y que he realizado un trabajo personal y laboral centrado en la priorización de temas importantes. Esto no ha solucionado mi situación personal. Latinoamérica se caracteriza por un sector científico financiado principalmente con fondos del Estado. Esto hace que, aunque prioricemos nuestras actividades. No ser prioridad para el Estado termina por generar un clima laboral que no es saludable mentalmente.

If you feel that an open discussion is also bringing no result, ask an unbiased third party to intervene. After you and your coworker explain your respective plans, accept what the third party chooses as the best option.

Actually, if the conflicts are still persistent and if is invading and limiting the efficiency and outcomes of the research, a 3rd party will be a good choice to bring in peace and gives a honest advise. However, I had an example where the superior challenged to both the candidates to prove their points and why is it best.

En la investigación financiada con fondos estatales, cómo es mi caso. Los investigadores somos bastante autónomos, recibimos poca o nula formación continua en habilidades blandas y carecemos de autoridades que puedan resolver problemas de este tipo. Una revisión de los objetivos de la ciencia básica en Latinoamérica sería necesario para que muchos países en esta región del mundo lleguemos a desarrollarnos en ciencia que sea competitiva a nivel mundial.

If you can’t reach an agreement with your colleagues, ask for help from a neutral person, like a department head or supervisor. This mediator can help clear up misunderstandings and guide everyone toward a fair solution. It shows you’re serious about finding a respectful resolution.

Seeking an intermediate person who do not support either researchers helps the resolve the issue. As the intermediate person can understand the issues of both the researchers and provide a solution.

Research is an activity that operates in parallel cognitive processes. As you learn, you change. As you learn, your questions change. And most importantly, as you learn you must be courageously honest about your own biases, and be willing to accept when the data is causing cognitive dissonance. Research is only as valuable as the integrity of the data being examined, and the intellectual honesty of the examiner.

To deal with such problems, first discuss with your colleagues, identify the problems and take colleague's opinions, prioritize tasks and start with available resources.

A quest?o de recursos é muito ampla. Podemos ter casos onde isso pode ser contornado como por exemplo, propondo realizar atividades em paralelo, postergar prazos, redimensionar atividades e etc… O que é importante é exercitar alternativas dentro do conflito.

Reflection to me is like sitting on the balcony and watching your research map out from a different perspective. Reflection gives great insights into learning.

Quanto mais projetos desenvolvemos, mais caminhos vamos acumulando para trilhar novos desafios. Cada trabalho pode ser bem diferente do outro, mas o método de solu??o encontrado em desafios anteriores poderá contribuir fortemente para a solu??o do projeto atual.