You're facing conflicting opinions in your remote team. How do you ensure everyone reaches a consensus?

1 Listen First

Active listening is the bedrock of resolving conflicts in a remote team. Encourage everyone to share their perspectives without interruption. This demonstrates respect and helps you understand the root of the disagreements. By ensuring that all opinions are considered, you create an environment where consensus becomes a possibility. Remember, it's not just about hearing what's said but also about interpreting the emotions and concerns behind the words.

2 Clarify Goals

Clarity on team goals is essential. Remind your team of the shared objectives and how each opinion might impact these goals. Sometimes, conflicting opinions stem from a lack of understanding of the endgame. By re-aligning everyone's focus on the common goal, you can facilitate a more objective discussion that prioritizes the team's success over individual preferences.

4 Encourage Empathy

Empathy goes hand in hand with respect. Urge your team to put themselves in each other's shoes to understand differing viewpoints. This empathy can break down barriers and lead to surprising agreements. When team members genuinely try to understand each other's positions, they often find that their objectives are not as divergent as they first seemed.

6 Decide Democratically

When all else fails, a democratic approach can be the fairest way to reach a consensus. Allow a vote, with the understanding that the majority decision will be respected by all. This method ensures that everyone has had their say and agrees to move forward with the decision, even if it wasn't their preferred outcome.