When your employees are constantly fighting among themselves, you need more than aspirin. You need a plan.
Too often the source of the conflict is irritation about stylistic differences. Oh sure, we all supposedly know that diversity makes us stronger, that is until we have to work with people who aren’t like us. Then it doesn’t feel like such a good idea.
Here are three ways to help your employees learn to value and leverage their differences instead of fighting about them.
- Identify the styles of your team members. Sometimes it can be hugely illuminating for people to see what the different styles are and what mix of styles exists on the team. There are many assessment tools on the market to help in this process. If you’ve never used one, give it shot.
- Discuss key strengths of each style. Once people understand how they differ from each other, it is important that they learn to recognize the strengths associated with those differences. It’s through this understanding that appreciation begins to build.
- Organize the work so that it leverages strengths. Ultimately, the team might want to consider reorganizing its work to take advantage of the diversity that exists within the group. Playing to skills and work preferences will help people feel better about the work and raise the overall performance level of the team.
When your employees are grumbling and sniping at each other, it’s time to take some action. Any of the three steps I suggested are good places to begin.
Image credit: Highways Agency
