How Can I Get My Team to Collaborate Despite Personal Conflicts?

Hello Friends,

I'm leading a 5-member team in a start-up concern. I personally know all my team members, and I also know that Mr. A has a specific talent, and Mr. D has another. I'm also aware of their enmity. But, as a team lead, I want them to work together for a particular project. But as a friend, I also know that they are not comfortable with each other. Even though I make them a team, I'm worried about the project results. How can I get the desired results in the project and also retain their friendship?

Hi Sachin,

Thank you for your immediate response.

But the facts are:

1. They strongly dislike Hindi movies.
2. And I believe that movies and outside office campus activities won't work. Because I tried that (out of campus programs) earlier, and it failed. As soon as they stepped into the office, they forgot all the programs and their lessons.

So, can you please suggest some 'in-house' activities/exercises for that?

Thank you.

Hello Sathya,

There are no strict rules to follow in making the team work together. You must try to make them feel at ease at work and in the workplace. Having known the person well, you must allow each one to come out with their best talents, and you just play the role of moderating them.

By the way, which part of India are you in, and what is the nature of the business your organization does?

Hi Satya,

I would like to add more to what others have said. Now, being a TL, this certainly is a case that tests your abilities as a leader. I would suggest you bridge the gap between the differences through fun activities, get-togethers, and other activities outside of work.

Remember, nothing is impossible if you have a plan for your vision. Believe you are a leader and behave as one.

Kranthi
email: kkranthi2007@indiatimes.com

Hello Sivasathya,

Sending them on fun activities and watching movies is all well and good. Running training and team-building sessions I see as a pre-requisite for new teams. The big question is: What are you doing every day to bond the team and to get them working effectively? Remember, the team members do not need to like each other. They do, though, need to respect each other.

Another primary question is: Do they need to operate as a team? Does each of them depend on the others to deliver the project objectives? Or can they contribute individually? If the latter, then you can manage their performance as individuals, setting more defined roles and individual objectives.

I don't know the details of your situation, but here are some preliminary pointers:

-Do you have specific and measurable project objectives?
-Are all team members aware of the objectives –and committed to them?
-Did the team members play a part in setting the objectives or the tactics to achieve the objectives?
-Did the team set “ground rules”?
-What are the repercussions if a team member breaks a rule?
-What incentives are there, as individuals and as a team, to achieve the objectives?
-Do you meet regularly – daily, weekly – as a team?

I cover some of the basics of working in teams on my webpage at www.businessperform.com/html/teams_and_change.html Notice that setting fun activities do not play a large part in the above. Notice that your actions and mood as a team leader figure in every pointer.

If you think that you have all of the above covered well, then the next step is to delve more deeply into specific behaviors of the team members and your response to them. I would also then observe directly the dynamic of the team to see what was going on.

Les Allan
Author: Managing Change in the Workplace
www.businessperform.com

Hi Satya,

Take them for a simulation program with visually impaired people, as well as individuals who are deaf, mute, and living with HIV. Observe how they navigate their way of life. Make it a two-day program for them. Then, see the change. I have transformed myself.
Anyone can participate.

Hello Friends,

Thank you for your replies.

Dear Les Allan,
Actually, they need to respect each other, but they didn't. We meet daily (approx. 8 hrs), so I will decide between the incentives or repercussions, as per your suggestion. That will make them work together. But the easier way is to let them work individually and moderate them, it seems. Once again, thank you for your valuable suggestion.

Dear Kranthi,
"Believe you are a Leader and Behave as a Leader......" Thank you. Your statement reveals many things to me. Thank you once again.

Dear Padmanaban,
Thanks for your valuables. By the way, I'm in Trichy, Tamilnadu, and ours is an Intellectual Property-related services organization.

Dear Philip,
Hope your ideas click. Thank you.

Hi Sivasathya,

Here are some tips:

1. Create a common goal that both your members accept as theirs.

2. Whenever one complains about the other, try to explain why the other might have acted that way. Help the complainer see the other person's point of view.

3. Make sure they understand the consequences of failure as a team.

4. If you are good friends, a family outing can help strengthen your bond (remember the friends in Dil Chahta Hai?).

5. Celebrate victories and key learnings, no matter how small, and make everyone feel like joint owners.

6. Don't stay neutral - if one makes a mistake and the other points it out, address the mistake promptly. Failures can be costly.

7. Don't judge with your mind; judge with your heart.

8. Ensure that none of them sabotages the team's plans. If proven otherwise, be prepared to replace the individual, or you may be perceived as a weak leader.

9. Inject humor and laughter into your discussions. It can significantly lighten the mood.

10. Explore common interests among all three of you that can bring you closer together and leverage them.

I hope you find these tips useful.

"A leader is one who strongly uplifts others by leading the way."

Good luck!

Best regards,
KayBee

Hi Sivasathya,

In my opinion, teamwork can be successful when all team members trust each other. Try to establish this trust and cultivate an attitude geared towards achieving common goals. Take inspiration from Shah Rukh Khan's character in the movie "Chak De India" where he creates respect among team members by sharing knowledge and navigating through challenges together. Make sure your team feels valued by involving them in project decisions and sharing both successes and setbacks. Recognize and appreciate the efforts of your team members.

Regards,
Raman Kumar Jha

Hi KayBee,

Thanks for your practical ideas like 'Don't be a cat on the wall', 'Don't be a judge of minds - judge by heart', and 'Have lots of humor and laughter'...

Hello Raman,

Thank you for your valuable input.