The #1 Way to Create Collaboration, Not Conflict.
The daily grind of construction and manufacturing can be tough, and it’s not uncommon for sparks to fly when different personalities and perspectives collide on the job site or the production floor. But guess what? Those clashes and conflicts that make you want to throw your hard hat in frustration, can be the trigger for fostering collaboration. Stick with us as we explore how conflict, when handled right, can lay the foundation for stronger teamwork and better results.
First off, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room – conflicts happen. Whether it’s a disagreement over project timelines, a clash in working styles, or a debate about the best way to tackle a task, conflicts are an inevitable part of working life. But what if we told you that these disagreements could be the catalyst for more innovative and efficient solutions? Think about it. When you’ve got a diverse group of people working together, each person brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and ideas to the table. Sure, it might lead to some heated debates, but those debates can also be the foundation for collaboration.
I’m right; you’re wrong.
Let’s consider what often happens when different perspectives come to the table: the I’m right, you’re wrong mentality sets in. This creates a level of defensiveness in all of us. We all want to show that we know what we’re talking about, and to do that, we defend our position. Understandable, but the result it creates is division within teams and on projects.
In the heat of these conflicts, you might find yourself frustrated, but remember, it’s part of the process. It’s like forging steel; the heat and pressure are necessary to create something strong and resilient. Conflict can be the fire that tempers your team, making them more adaptable and capable of overcoming challenges, which can happen when we ditch the I’m right, you’re wrong approach and open ourselves up to hearing someone else’s point of view.
Approach disagreements with an open mind and a willingness to listen. Instead of shutting down opposing ideas, try to understand where someone is coming from. Maybe they’ve got a point you hadn’t considered, or perhaps there’s a compromise that can satisfy everyone.
The #1 Way to Create Collaboration, Not Conflict.
Listen Up!
If you want to create collaboration and avoid division, there is one simple thing to do: listen. Not just hear what is being said, but actively listen.
When brought up with teams, active listening is usually met with blank stares. Active listening is simply defined as hearing what is being said with the intention of understanding. To understand, being open and curious is required. That’s it. Be open and curious about perspectives that are different from your own.
Simple? Yes. Easy? Not at all. So here’s a 3-step framework to get you started:
Be quiet, so you can;
Pay attention without distraction, so you can;
Ask good questions to understand ideas different from your own.
Here’s how it works. When you feel yourself wanting to inject your opinion or if things are escalating:
Be quiet. It is impossible to hear someone when you’re talking over them. It’s also not very considerate so being quiet while someone shares their perspective shows courtesy and sets the tone to ask for the same in return.
Pay attention. This is not staying quiet because you’re waiting for your turn to talk. This is genuinely paying attention to what is being said and showing that you are paying attention by not getting distracted.
Ask a question. If you don’t understand, ask a question. This is the make-or-break moment. When you don’t understand a different perspective, don’t shoot it down; try asking clarifying questions until you can understand it. Understanding isn’t the same as agreeing; you can still disagree, but acknowledging a perspective sets up the chance for collaboration.
The key is to turn conflict into a constructive conversation. Encourage open communication where everyone feels heard and valued. It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about finding the best solution for the task at hand. Remember, you’re all working towards the same goal: a successful project and a satisfied client.
So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of a disagreement on the job site or the production floor (or anywhere for that matter), take a deep breath, listen to different perspectives, and embrace the opportunity for collaboration. Conflict doesn’t have to be a roadblock; it can be the stepping stone to higher efficiency and higher levels of performance.
To learn more about how to make conflict constructive, check out our communication workshops. Our trainings help teams develop skills and techniques to help with the subtleties of ‘people-ing’.