I think we need to talk about conflict!
Why are teams so afraid of conflict? Do we associate it with bad behaviour or do we all just want to “get along”?
Operating in teams where conflict is avoided can lead to passive-aggressive behaviour, a lack of trust and delays in getting the work done.
Embracing conflict requires that you acknowledge that it is not only useful but essential to team functioning.
It all sounds really scary though and what if we get it horribly wrong?
Here’s a suggestion to get your remote team thinking about conflict in a positive way.
• Start a conversation (in a group chat) about conflict and what it means.
• At the next remote team meeting, ask the team if they would be willing to “safely” embrace conflict and not shy away from it.
• Establish, as a team, a set of ground rules around conflict.
• Suggest they buddy up in twos “off site” to practice a conversation that involves conflict. They can then report back to the team and agree a way forward.
Conflict isn’t easy but if you find a way to model it and encourage it, you may find that the team becomes more likely to speak up, trust each other more and ultimately be more effective.