How to Manage and Resolve Conflicts in Remote Teams
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Remote team management is not only about setting up processes, workflow tools, communication platforms, and onboarding procedures.
As we’ve discussed in the previous blog, you also need to build a healthy remote work culture.
We’ve already provided tips on how to create that positive environment, but how do you deal with the inevitable virtual conflicts?
What is Virtual Conflict?
Conflict is a natural part of teamwork. But whether it’s physical or virtual, it could cross some boundaries, go beyond creative differences, and even erupt into a destructive conflict.
Virtual conflict is team conflict that is even trickier to handle. There’s still a huge difference between Zoom or Slack communications and face-to-face interactions.
Read on to find out how you can navigate these virtual challenges as a remote team manager.
Most Common Types of Conflict in Virtual Teams
Before we dive into the solutions, here are the most common types of issues in virtual teams to watch out for:
Performance conflict
Not knowing exactly what they’re supposed to do and how to do it. It’s caused by poor communication and inefficient process or workflow management.
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Identity conflict
Not knowing where they belong. It’s caused by assigning them to different projects or asking them to report to multiple managers.
Data conflict
Not knowing what to prioritize and focus on. It’s caused by information overload or simultaneous communications.
Social conflict
Not knowing the other people in the team and their personalities. It’s caused by the lack of solid team rapport or collaboration.
Top 5 Remote Conflict Management Practices
Now that you know how virtual conflicts ignite, here’s how to kill the fire:
Act Proactively as Soon as Something Comes up
Once a conflict is brought to your attention whether you’ve noticed it yourself or a team member tells, initiate contact immediately. Acknowledge the problem and discuss ways to resolve it before it gets out of hand.
Allot Time for Everyone to Voice Their Concerns
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There are times when the conflict silently seeps into the whole team’s attention, circulates for a while, and suddenly explodes.
It could be any work-related issue that gradually affects team performance.
The prevention and cure for this one are the same: allot time for everyone to voice their concerns.
Do a casual virtual roundtable where you get to hear everyone’s thoughts on their workload, your existing processes, your expectations, etc.
Listen with Empathy and Seek to Understand
Don’t respond before you fully understand what’s going on. Listen to everyone’s sides.
Absorb all the information and process it rationally. Come up with a solution that’s based on understanding and fairness.
Collaborate and Work on It Together as a Unit
One team member’s conflict is often something that’s actually been bothering or affecting the whole team for a while already.
It could be contagious negative energy or just shared problems with systems that aren’t serving the team well.
Seek the help of the team in assessing the conflict, finding its root cause, and figuring out how you can move on from it as a team.
Find Remote Workers That Fit Your Team’s Culture
Prevention is always better than cure. You can avoid a great deal of remote team conflicts by making the best hiring decisions.
ScaleSource can help you with that. We’ll find the right fit for your brand and company. We’ll take care of everything: the search, interview, onboarding, and necessary training.
We have a diverse talent pool where we can find the perfect match for your team. Schedule a consultation now!