Two high-potential leaders in your team are at odds. How will you navigate this conflict effectively?

2 Open Dialogue

Once you've assessed the situation, facilitate an open dialogue between the two leaders. Encourage them to express their viewpoints in a controlled environment where each can speak without interruption. Your role is to mediate this conversation, ensuring it remains constructive and focused on finding a resolution. This step can help break down barriers, foster mutual understanding, and highlight common goals. It's essential to establish ground rules beforehand to maintain a respectful and professional discourse.

3 Identify Interests

Understanding the underlying interests of each leader is key to resolving their conflict. Interests often differ from the stated positions and can include personal goals, values, or specific outcomes they're seeking. By identifying these interests, you can work towards a solution that addresses the needs of both parties. This requires active listening and a willingness to probe beyond surface-level issues. A solution that aligns with both leaders' core interests is more likely to be sustainable and satisfactory.

4 Explore Solutions

With a clear understanding of the issues and interests, you can now explore potential solutions. This step involves collaborative problem-solving, where both leaders contribute ideas that could lead to a resolution. Encourage creative thinking and compromise, and consider options that might not have been initially apparent. Your role is to guide this process, helping the leaders to find common ground and agree on a solution that benefits not just them but the entire team.

5 Implement Agreements

After reaching an agreement, it's crucial to implement the decisions made. This step may involve changes to workflows, communication protocols, or responsibilities. It's important to ensure that both leaders are committed to the agreement and understand their role in its execution. Follow-up is also key; schedule check-ins to monitor progress and address any issues promptly. Effective implementation demonstrates your commitment to resolving conflicts and maintaining a productive work environment.