Conflicts are inevitable when collaborating on group projects. They’re emotional, sometimes dramatic, and often exhausting. But when conflicts get resolved, they lead to stronger relationships within the team, a better understanding how to collaboration and opportunities for growth.
Some pointers for resolving conflict quickly:
· Keep calm. It’s not always easy to keep your emotions out of a conflict, but approaching a conflict rationally will help in the long run.
· Pay attention to both verbal and nonverbal communication. What you say matters just as much as what you don’t say. They say more than half of perceived communication is done nonverbally through body language.
· Keep your language and your tone neutral. The intonation of your voice can be just as important as the words you’re speaking. Remaining neutral can help you get your point across without ruffling more feathers.
· Avoid threats and accusations. Accusations and threats typically take situations in the opposite direction you want to head. Rather than escalating the conflict, take a breath and listen to what the other person has to say. Understanding their side of the story will help you see things from their perspective.
· Be generous. Keep in mind that resolving the conflict is more important for the working relationship — and your team’s ultimate success — than “winning” the fight. Persuade those in the conflict to let go of grudges and forgive and forget.
How to improve collaboration in the workplace
While effective collaboration will ultimately stem from the willingness of your project team, there are several tips and techniques you can use to encourage them:
Build a collaborative work environment. Organize an open work area away from personal workspaces where team members can meet and work together for the duration of the project.
Encourage effective remote collaboration. Have an always-on video conference system in place so that remote team members can be reached any time while they work.
Use tools for sharing. Effective collaboration requires the right tools and technology. At the bare minimum you will need a real-time chat tool, a project management/task management tool, a knowledge base tool, and a file sharing tool. Better yet if you have one tool that can do all of the above.
Encourage engagement everywhere. Line the hallway and meeting rooms with whiteboards and encourage team members to draft plans and brainstorm ideas on them. Reward those who contribute.
