{"id":7025,"date":"2020-08-24T23:35:05","date_gmt":"2020-08-24T19:35:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krisp.ai\/blog\/?p=7025"},"modified":"2024-07-04T12:52:42","modified_gmt":"2024-07-04T08:52:42","slug":"remote-team-conflict","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krisp.ai\/blog\/remote-team-conflict\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Tips For Resolving Conflict Within Remote Teams"},"content":{"rendered":"

Conflict can have a big impact on a team\u2019s productivity and morale. So understanding how to identify and deal with conflict plays an important part in managing a remote team.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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In a face-to-face environment, identifying conflict and dealing with it effectively is difficult enough. When it comes to managing remote teams – who may be <\/span>teleconferencing<\/span><\/a> with one another across different continents – the problem becomes even greater.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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In addition, virtual teams may be more prone to conflict than office-based teams.<\/span><\/p>\n

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According to Stanford Professor <\/span>Lindred Green<\/span>;<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201c Conflict in virtual teams is more likely to be negative for performance and is more likely to escalate\u201d\u00a0<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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There are many reasons why this might be the case, but often it\u2019s down to a lack of communication and transparency.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"On<\/p>\n

Image source<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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In this post we\u2019ll discuss some ways to keep virtual team relationships healthy. When we talk about \u2018remote teams\u2019 we\u2019ll take this to mean a group of individuals who work together in different geographical locations. As well as being a team that relies on technology in order to communicate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Why is remote conflict difficult to detect?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In an office, team members often catch up with each other in the canteen or by the water fountain. At moments like these, as well as in face-to-face meetings, conflict between team members is easy to spot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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People tend to express discord using body language or facial expressions. When a manager senses this friction they can take action to ensure participants sort things out and move on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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This doesn\u2019t happen in a virtual environment. Conflict often stays hidden because;<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • Virtual team members may disappear behind their computer leaving problems simmering, but unresolved.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Many people believe that sensitive issues should only be <\/span>dealt with on a face-to-face basis<\/span><\/a>. For example, managers often wait for the opportunity to speak to staff in person if they have a sensitive matter to broach with them.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The impacts of conflict can affect the bottom line<\/span><\/h2>\n

    While difficult, it\u2019s essential to get a handle on this issue. Without a strategy in place, conflict could balloon out of all proportion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Whether the conflict arises from a clash of personalities or from disagreement about how a project should progress, managers need to deal with discord immediately. That\u2019s rather than let it impact productivity and profits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Reamote<\/p>\n

    Image source<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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    Let\u2019s look at some practical steps you can take to resolve conflict in a remote team:<\/span><\/p>\n

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    1. Make use of the latest communications software<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Communicating via email or through a non video call can lead to conflict that\u2019s quick to escalate. Team members may take things personally when a challenge to their ideas lands in their inbox. This email could come from a colleague who is perhaps a continent away, rather than in the same office. This disconnection can lead to a source of frustration and resentment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Without being able to see the expression of the person sending the email – or understand the context of the message – recipients may automatically assign them negative attitudes. Recipients may react aggressively, and the conflict could develop into a back and forth series of interactions that escalate the issue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Adopt a high quality video conferencing system<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Having a high quality <\/span>video conferencing<\/span><\/a> system could help to mitigate these kinds of misunderstandings. When someone can see the other person\u2019s facial expressions and body language they can get a better understanding of their comments. Video allows team members to elaborate on what they\u2019re trying to say without causing offence.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Videoconferencing\"<\/p>\n

    Image source<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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    And, since communications take place in real time, there\u2019s the opportunity to have a spontaneous discussion. By being able to respond immediately in a conversation there\u2019s an increased likelihood both parties will come to an agreement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Another great benefit of video conferencing is that team members can see themselves on the screen – and that\u2019s a great reminder for checking how you\u2019re coming across to others.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"krisp<\/a><\/p>\n

    2. Look out for changes in communication behavior<\/span><\/h2>\n

    A good virtual team leader should be on the lookout for changes in a team member\u2019s behavior. For example, if someone changes their tone in messages and emails.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Be on the lookout for if an individual suddenly changes their messaging style. If they usually use emojis and exclamation marks but start making clipped replies such as\u00a0 \u2018OK\u2019 or \u2018Fine\u2019, this could be a sign they\u2019re not happy with a team member or a project.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    The same thing applies to group threads. When a team member appears reluctant to discuss issues with a certain person or stops engaging with that individual, the team manager\u2019s alarm bells should ring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    To resolve the issue, it\u2019s important to step in as soon as negative behaviors occur, and then get proactive by asking relevant questions. Checking in with individual team members is paramount to stopping potential conflict before it escalates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Looking for more tips? Check out our video on how to resolve remote team conflicts<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n