Conflict resolution can sometimes be challenging, it can be especially challenging if you’re working remotely. Some methods of online communication can leave a sense of ambiguity about how a person truly is feeling, often coming forth as cold and aloof. Email, for instance, within it’s methods of business professionalism leaves little room for emotive context. So how do we combat conflict when working remotely? Consider these tips:
Focus on the problem, not the person.
Trying to focus on the problem itself without passing judgement to the person who raised the issue helps view the problem from an objective point of view. This helps eliminate unnecessary disputes about defensive statements, and aids in productive problem solving.
“Problems are always solved when it’s you and me vs. the problem, and not you vs. me.”
Anonymous
Keep an open line of communication.
Often, when we’re overwhelmed by our email inboxes, we never really give thought to having a quick, casual chat with a colleague or team member who’s feeling unheard. Keeping an open line of one on one communication with team members on another platform other than email so that they can raise their concerns goes a long way in resolving conflict that arises, helping team members feel like they’re being heard confidentially.
“Explain your anger instead of expressing it, and you will always find solutions instead of arguments.”
Anonymous
Try to consistently have team meetings.
Whether you use Zoom or Skype, having a weekly conference call with your team and colleagues will help raise problems collectively. This lessens any confusion there may be about any problems that may have been already raised. This also helps team members communicate with each other openly, eliminating assumptions. Video conferencing helps put an emotive context behind certain issues to a degree, helping eliminate the aloof and passive manner of email and text communication.
Take time to encourage and celebrate each other.
In an office setting, there are a lot of informal chats that happen while making coffee or around the water-cooler, which was quite important for encouragement, support and celebration, whether it was a small thing like celebrating the end of the week or something bigger like congratulating someone for their birthday, we cannot underestimate the importance of those informal chats. While working from home, it may have a slightly bigger impact on those needing that little bit of encouragement or support, lessening frustration. Taking the time to celebrate those small end of the week achievements helps encourage employee morale, leading to less conflict stemmed from frustration and feelings of discouragement.
“When we fail to acknowledge and celebrate small victories, we get discouraged, and the flame inside us starts to dwindle.”
Kristen Koonce
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