Your team is split on a crucial decision. How will you unite them towards a common goal?

1 Listen First

Active listening is the cornerstone of resolving conflict within a team. When faced with a split decision, encourage each team member to express their concerns and ideas without interruption. This demonstrates respect and value for their input. As you listen, aim to understand the underlying reasons for their positions. It's not just about what they are saying, but why they are saying it. This understanding is crucial as it lays the groundwork for finding common ground.

2 Identify Goals

After hearing everyone out, it's important to distill the discussion into clear, shared objectives. What is the ultimate goal that everyone is trying to achieve? Often, team members will find that their core aims are aligned, even if their methods for achieving them differ. By highlighting these shared goals, you create a united vision that everyone can rally behind. This shared vision becomes the beacon that guides all subsequent decision-making.

3 Explore Options

With a unified goal in sight, guide your team to brainstorm a range of solutions collaboratively. Encourage creativity and openness to different approaches. The key here is to foster an environment where all suggestions are considered and evaluated on their merits. This process not only generates more options but also ensures that team members feel involved and invested in the outcome. A solution born from collective input is more likely to be embraced by all.

4 Build Consensus

Building consensus doesn't mean seeking unanimous agreement on every detail. Instead, it's about reaching a decision that everyone can support, even if it involves compromise. Facilitate discussions that allow team members to voice their preferences and concerns, then work together to find adjustments that address these points. This give-and-take is essential in forming a decision that reflects the collective will of the team.

5 Decide Democratically

Sometimes, despite best efforts, consensus can't be reached through discussion alone. In such cases, a democratic approach may be necessary. Set clear criteria for how the decision will be made, whether it's a majority vote or another agreed-upon method. Ensure that the process is transparent and fair, giving everyone confidence in the outcome. A democratic decision respects individual voices while moving the team forward.

6 Act United

Once a decision is made, it's imperative for the team to act as a united front. Encourage members to commit to the chosen path and put aside any lingering differences. The focus should now be on implementation and collaboration to achieve the shared goals. Solidarity in action not only propels the team towards success but also strengthens the bonds between its members for future challenges.

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?