You're managing a remote team and there's conflict. What can you do to keep things from boiling over?

1 Identify the source of conflict

The first step is to understand what is causing the conflict in your remote team. Is it a misunderstanding, a personality clash, a disagreement over goals, a lack of communication, or something else? You can use tools like surveys, feedback forms, or online polls to gather information from your team members and identify the main issues. You can also schedule one-on-one meetings or group chats to listen to their perspectives and concerns.

2 Communicate clearly and respectfully

The second step is to communicate clearly and respectfully with your remote team members. You need to set the tone and expectations for how conflict should be handled in your team. You should encourage open, honest, and constructive dialogue, and avoid blaming, criticizing, or dismissing anyone's views. You should also use the appropriate channels and mediums for communication, such as video calls, phone calls, emails, or instant messages, depending on the urgency and sensitivity of the situation.

3 Facilitate problem-solving and collaboration

The third step is to facilitate problem-solving and collaboration among your remote team members. You need to help them find common ground, understand each other's perspectives, and work towards a mutually acceptable solution. You can use techniques like brainstorming, voting, or consensus-building to generate and evaluate ideas. You can also use tools like shared documents, calendars, or project management software to coordinate tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities.

4 Provide support and feedback

The fourth step is to provide support and feedback to your remote team members. You need to acknowledge their efforts, achievements, and challenges, and offer guidance, encouragement, and recognition. You should also monitor their progress, performance, and satisfaction, and address any issues or concerns that arise. You can use tools like surveys, feedback forms, or online reviews to collect and share feedback. You can also schedule regular check-ins, meetings, or social events to maintain rapport and trust.

5 Prevent future conflict

The fifth step is to prevent future conflict in your remote team. You need to establish and enforce clear rules, roles, and expectations for your team members. You should also promote a positive and inclusive team culture, where diversity, respect, and cooperation are valued. You can use tools like team charter, code of conduct, or mission statement to define and communicate your team's vision, values, and norms. You can also use tools like team building activities, games, or quizzes to enhance team cohesion and engagement.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth step is to learn and improve from the conflict in your remote team. You need to reflect on what went well, what went wrong, and what can be done better next time. You should also solicit and provide feedback to your team members and yourself, and identify areas for improvement. You can use tools like self-assessment, peer review, or coaching to enhance your skills and competencies. You can also use tools like online courses, webinars, or podcasts to learn new strategies and best practices for managing conflict in remote teams.

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?