Last updated on Jul 1, 2024

Your team members have conflicting work styles. How can you unite them in prioritizing project tasks?

When your team members have conflicting work styles, it can feel like navigating a minefield to get everyone on the same page. Diverse work styles aren't inherently detrimental; they can bring a wealth of perspectives and solutions to the table. However, when it comes to prioritizing project tasks, these differences can lead to friction and inefficiency. The key to uniting your team lies in conflict resolution strategies that respect individual approaches while aligning them towards common goals.

1 Assess Styles

Understanding each team member's work style is the first step in resolving conflicts and setting priorities. Some may thrive on structure and detailed plans, while others prefer a more flexible and spontaneous approach. Conduct individual meetings to learn about their preferences, strengths, and limitations. This knowledge allows you to tailor communication and task allocation in a way that resonates with each person, fostering a cooperative environment where everyone feels their work style is valued and can contribute effectively to the project.

Add your perspective

Sébastien Robineau

Médiateur et formateur | 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒆𝒅𝑰𝒏 𝑻𝒐𝒑 𝑽𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 | Docteur en droit et analyste transactionnel
(edited)
Report contribution
L'analyse transactionnelle, et en particulier l'approche du comportementaliste Taibi Kahler (#PCM), permet d'établir une évaluation précise des styles de travail et des environnements de travail préférés pour chacun des membres d'une équipe. Cette évaluation est simplifiée, lorsque les membres de l'équipe acceptent de répondre à un questionnaire. La fiabilité de ce questionnaire (et de son algorithme associé) a été démontré par la NASA dans les années 80. Mais lorsque l'équipe ne peut pas ou ne veut pas répondre à un quelconque questionnaire, le recours à un analyste transactionnel formé à PCM et expérimenté permet de pallier l'absence de test. Une observation de l'équipe, selon 5 critères, permet d'établir une évaluation fine et précise.

Translated

Like

Unhelpful

2 Set Expectations

Once you've got a handle on the diverse work styles within your team, it's crucial to establish clear expectations. This means defining the project's objectives, deadlines, and the specific roles each member will play. By doing so, you provide a common framework that transcends individual working preferences. Ensure these expectations are communicated transparently and that there is room for team members to voice concerns or suggestions. This collaborative approach not only sets the stage for task prioritization but also builds a sense of shared responsibility and commitment.

Add your perspective

Sébastien Robineau

Médiateur et formateur | 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒆𝒅𝑰𝒏 𝑻𝒐𝒑 𝑽𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 | Docteur en droit et analyste transactionnel
Report contribution
Définir les attentes de l'équipe passe par le respect des environnements de travail préférés de chaque membre de l'équipe. Les travaux de recherche de Taibi Kahler, financés en partie par la #NASA dans les années 80, permettent d'identifier les différents environnements les plus adaptés aux types de personnalité. Certains ont besoin de solitude pour donner le meilleur d'eux-mêmes alors que d'autres se nourrissent de réflexion collective, pendant que d'autres enfin vont préférer les tâches réalisées en binômes. #PCM offre une matrice qu'il est facile de mettre en application. Il est essentiel, selon moi, de respecter les besoins de chacun en termes d'environnement préféré et de valoriser les environnements préférés de chacun. Just do it!

Translated

Like

Unhelpful

3 Facilitate Dialogue

Encouraging open dialogue is essential for uniting team members with different work styles. Create a safe space where everyone can discuss their views on task prioritization without fear of judgment. Use active listening techniques to ensure that each team member feels heard and understood. This process can help identify common ground and facilitate the development of a hybrid approach to work, combining the best aspects of each style to enhance productivity and collaboration.

Add your perspective

Sébastien Robineau

Médiateur et formateur | 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒆𝒅𝑰𝒏 𝑻𝒐𝒑 𝑽𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 | Docteur en droit et analyste transactionnel
Report contribution
Les travaux de Taibi Kahler (#PCM) sur les Perceptions et les Canaux de communication permettent de répondre facilement à cet objectif de "faciliter le dialogue". En faisant le choix des bonnes formulations de phrases adressées ("Perceptions") via le bon canal de communication ("Canal") et les deux interlocuteurs peuvent (à nouveau) s'entendre. "Perceptions" "Canal" = communication fluide Il ne reste plus qu'à faire en sorte que ces deux interlocuteurs puissent se comprendre, certes. Mais le plus difficile est réalisé, la communication est (r)établie et claire. C'est le premier pas vers une solution consensuelle. Chacun va pouvoir entendre ce que l'autre a à dire, préalable à une résolution apaisée d'un conflit.

Translated

Like

Unhelpful

4 Create Systems

Integrating diverse work styles often requires the implementation of systems that support various approaches. This might include project management tools that allow for both high-level planning and more flexible task management. By providing structure and visibility into the project's progress, these systems help team members understand how their individual contributions fit into the larger picture. They also enable the tracking of tasks, making it easier to adjust priorities as needed and ensuring that everyone is aligned with the project's goals.

Add your perspective

5 Encourage Flexibility

Promoting flexibility within your team is vital for harmonizing different work styles. Encourage team members to step outside their comfort zones and experiment with different approaches to their work. This not only broadens their skill sets but also fosters empathy as they experience firsthand the challenges and benefits of other work styles. By being adaptable, your team can more effectively prioritize tasks and navigate the complexities of collaborative projects.

Add your perspective

6 Celebrate Diversity

Lastly, it's important to celebrate the diversity of work styles in your team. Recognize and appreciate the unique contributions that each style brings to the table. Highlighting how these differences enhance creativity and problem-solving can help foster a culture of inclusivity and respect. When team members feel valued for their individuality, they're more likely to collaborate effectively and prioritize tasks in a way that leverages everyone's strengths.

Add your perspective

Sébastien Robineau

Médiateur et formateur | 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒆𝒅𝑰𝒏 𝑻𝒐𝒑 𝑽𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 | Docteur en droit et analyste transactionnel
Report contribution
Célébrer la diversité des styles de travail (que j'appellerai "environnements préférés" dans le sens de travaux de Taibi Kahler, IE #PCM) me semble essentiel. J'ai une nette préférence pour les missions en solo ou en duo. A l'inverse, les missions en groupe n'ont pas ma préférence. Longtemps, j'ai considéré que mon approche n'était pas dans la "norme" du monde professionnel, au point d'en éprouver une certaine gêne. En réalité, en étudiant PCM lors de ma formation de praticien et de formateur PCM, j'ai découvert que ce style de travail est partagé par plus de 50% des personnes du monde occidental ! Depuis, j'invite chacun à respecter son style de travail et à respecter celui des autres. Efficacité garantie !!! 👍

Translated

Like

Unhelpful
Alcione Nunes🌹

👜Consultora • Trainer • Palestrante 🧱Entusiasta em Gestão Projetos, Agilidade e OKRs 🆘Ajudo na Redução➖de Tarefas e Aumento➕de Resultados com as melhores práticas de mercado!🚀 🎯PMP®, OKRMaster®, M3.0® e KCP®
Report contribution
Una sua equipe na priorização das tarefas celebrando a diversidade ao reconhecer e valorizar os diferentes estilos de trabalho. Promova um diálogo aberto sobre as forças individuais, estabeleça metas comuns e use metodologias ágeis para alinhar prioridades. Incentive a colaboração e celebre as conquistas coletivas, reforçando a importância das diversas contribuições para o sucesso do projeto.

Translated

Like

Unhelpful

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?

Add your perspective

Conflict Resolution

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?

It’s great It’s not so great

Report this article

See all

Your team members have conflicting work styles. How can you unite them in prioritizing project tasks?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Styles

2 Set Expectations

3 Facilitate Dialogue

4 Create Systems

5 Encourage Flexibility

6 Celebrate Diversity

7 Here’s what else to consider

Conflict Resolution

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Conflict Resolution

More relevant reading

Your team members have conflicting work styles. How can you unite them in prioritizing project tasks?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Styles

2 Set Expectations

3 Facilitate Dialogue

4 Create Systems

5 Encourage Flexibility

6 Celebrate Diversity

7 Here’s what else to consider

Conflict Resolution

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills