Last updated on Jul 7, 2024

Two remote team members are in conflict. How can you resolve the situation without making it worse?

Managing conflict in a remote team can be particularly challenging due to the lack of face-to-face interaction, which often helps in understanding nuances and resolving misunderstandings. When two remote team members are at odds, the situation demands a careful and strategic approach to ensure that the conflict doesn't escalate and affect the entire team's morale and productivity. Your role in resolving this conflict is crucial, and it involves understanding the root causes, facilitating communication, and finding a resolution that respects both parties.

1 Acknowledge Issue

The first step in conflict resolution is to acknowledge that there is an issue. This means recognizing the conflict without taking sides or casting blame. You need to communicate to both parties involved that their feelings and perspectives are valid and that you are there to support them in finding a solution. It's essential to maintain neutrality and confidentiality, ensuring that each team member feels heard and understood. By doing so, you create a safe environment for open dialogue, which is the foundation for any successful conflict resolution.

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Amir Hanifehnejad

Experienced Business Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the Human recourse, Startups Growth and Textile industry
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To effectively resolve conflict between remote team members, approach the situation with empathy and neutrality. Arrange a private virtual meeting with each individual to understand their perspectives. Encourage open communication and active listening, emphasizing common goals and collaboration. Facilitate a joint discussion to address the issue, focusing on finding a mutually acceptable solution. By fostering a respectful and supportive environment, you can help both parties move forward constructively without escalating the conflict.

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2 Open Dialogue

Once the issue is acknowledged, encourage an open dialogue between the conflicting parties. Facilitate a virtual meeting where each person can express their concerns and viewpoints without interruption. It's important to set ground rules for respectful communication and to remind each team member to listen actively. As a manager, your role is to mediate the conversation, help clarify misunderstandings, and guide the discussion towards common ground and mutual understanding.

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3 Identify Causes

To effectively resolve the conflict, you must identify the underlying causes. These could range from miscommunication or differing work styles to more personal issues. By understanding the root of the problem, you can address the specific concerns of each team member. Encourage them to share their perspectives on what led to the conflict, and listen for key issues that need to be addressed. This will help in developing a resolution that tackles the core of the problem rather than just its symptoms.

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4 Explore Solutions

With the causes of the conflict identified, the next step is to explore potential solutions together. This collaborative approach empowers team members to contribute to the resolution process, making them more likely to adhere to the agreed-upon solution. Encourage creative problem-solving and compromise, ensuring that each party makes concessions. The ultimate goal is to arrive at a solution that both sides can accept, even if it's not their ideal outcome.

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Mohamed Marouf

Operations Manager, MV
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Once the causes of a conflict are identified, collaboratively explore potential solutions. This inclusive approach empowers team members to actively participate in the resolution process, increasing their commitment to the final agreement. Encourage creative problem-solving and compromise, ensuring each party makes concessions. The goal is to reach a mutually acceptable solution, fostering cooperation and harmony within the team.

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5 Implement Changes

After agreeing on a solution, it's time to implement the necessary changes. This could involve adjusting workflows, communication practices, or even personal behaviors. It's crucial to follow up with both team members to ensure that the agreed-upon changes are being put into practice and that they're effective in preventing future conflicts. Regular check-ins can help you monitor progress and provide additional support if needed.

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6 Monitor Progress

Finally, monitor the progress of the resolution over time. Conflict resolution isn't always immediate, and it may take some time for team members to fully adjust to the changes. Keep an eye on how both individuals interact with each other and with the team as a whole. Offer support and guidance as they navigate their new working relationship, and be prepared to step in if tensions rise again. Continuous monitoring and support are key to ensuring long-term resolution and a harmonious remote work environment.

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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?

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Himani Sheth

Health, Safety & Environment
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This is a great coaching opportunity. Start by asking them to explain there side of conflict (assuming both individuals have their own), what have they done in the past to resolute similar conflict or brainstorm with them if they haven't dealt with something similar, settle on next steps with some softer time frames and what can you help them with. It would be great if you could manage impact on wider team or individuals relationships till they figure out a resolution however would not recommend to actively manage two workers' conflict as it barely works and working through conflicts build better understanding between two individuals.

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Two remote team members are in conflict. How can you resolve the situation without making it worse?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Issue

2 Open Dialogue

3 Identify Causes

4 Explore Solutions

5 Implement Changes

6 Monitor Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Management

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Two remote team members are in conflict. How can you resolve the situation without making it worse?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Issue

2 Open Dialogue

3 Identify Causes

4 Explore Solutions

5 Implement Changes

6 Monitor Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Management

Rate this article

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