Your team is divided on professional norms. How can you navigate conflicting interpretations effectively?

1 Assess Norms

Before you can address the divide, you need to thoroughly understand the professional norms in question. Gather information from your team about what norms they follow and why they believe these are important. This step is crucial because it gives you insight into the values and expectations that underpin their professional behaviors. Listen to their explanations with an open mind, and be prepared to ask clarifying questions. This will help you identify the core issues and the reasons behind the conflicting interpretations.

2 Open Dialogue

Once you've assessed the situation, initiate an open dialogue with your team. Create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable expressing their views without fear of judgment or reprisal. Encourage team members to share their perspectives on the professional norms and the impact of these on their work. This conversation is not about reaching immediate consensus but about understanding the various viewpoints. Through respectful discussion, your team can begin to find common ground and appreciate the validity of differing opinions.

3 Set Expectations

With a clearer understanding of the differing viewpoints, it's time to set clear expectations. Discuss with your team what professional norms are non-negotiable and why they are critical to the team's success. It's essential to be transparent about the reasons behind these expectations and how they align with the team's goals and values. Be open to feedback during this process, as it may provide valuable insights into how these norms can be adapted to better serve the team.

5 Implement Changes

After reaching a consensus on what the professional norms should be, it's time to implement these changes. This step may involve revising existing policies, introducing new guidelines, or providing training to ensure everyone understands the agreed-upon norms. Implementation should be a collaborative effort, with team members taking ownership of the process. This not only ensures compliance but also reinforces the team's commitment to upholding these professional standards.

6 Review Progress

Finally, regularly review the progress your team is making in adhering to the established professional norms. This is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires continuous attention and adjustment. Solicit feedback from your team to gauge how well the norms are being integrated into daily work practices. Use this feedback to make any necessary tweaks to the norms or the implementation process, ensuring that they remain relevant and effective.