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How to Overcome Conflict and Start Working as a Team

Jamie Florio • Dec 20, 2022

It doesn't take a whole band to create a downward spiral; two will suffice. Office intricacy grayscale: from differing opinions on astrology to "You betrayed me. You're dead to me." We indulge in petty arguments, silent resentments, and momentums of misfortunate misunderstandings. But, then, there's this; a ubiquitous truth: We can't escape the conflict. We can fight it, pretend it's not there, smile, nod, and sweep the sweet air of the incoming collision under the good, old rug. - We can, but what good is it? Workspace Armageddons spare no one. "Ready or not, down the rabbit hole we go." And there are consequences. Detrimental consequences of team discord. Upside? It can be fixed. How? That's why we're here. This is how to overcome conflict and start working as a team.

Conflict approach

As team leaders, managers, and CEOs, resolving ever-present hiccups and interpersonal conflicts is just "another day at the office." However, each scenario begs for a unique solution. A friendly reminder: 1. No two problems are alike. And, similarly, 2. no two individuals are alike. Ideally, employees would come to us for guidance, and with a little help from our 2-minute all-wise advice, they would get together, engage in constructive dialogue, and finally, bury the hindering hatchet. Ideally. But, as it turns out, it's a bit more complicated than that. As authority figures, it is expected of us to find viable solutions and make the "final call." When dealing with team conflict, the "authority approach" can backfire:

team members become reliant on your ability to resolve interpersonal conflict
imposing the conflict's outcome leaves no room for learning
without giving the quarreled coworkers the opportunity to have their say, feelings of isolation and resentment may continue to linger on
nobody enjoys the "I AM THE LAW" approach

Mediation

The truth is, nobody likes "the enforcer," "the exert-ionist". Our colleagues are more likely to agree on a decision and follow through if they are kindly invited to participate in the making process. Learning about conflict resolution is difficult when you have someone to do the hard work for you. If we approach the problem with "We're all equals here. Let's talk.", not only will all parties benefit from "conflict resolution 101", but the mediation process will also equip them for any future hindrances. Once they learn how to approach a negative workplace experience, they will evolve into an independent, conflict-free persona that could take on anything from negative feedback to colossal project pressure (not that we want that type of pressure).

No "I" in "Team"

Before we can learn how to overcome conflict and start working as a team, we must first ask ourselves: How would we define "team"? What's the meaning behind the collective? If we're to say: it's an organism working in unison, mostly 9 to 5, 5 days a week.- it wouldn't necessarily be considered incorrect, but it somewhat lacks the microscopic perspective. Or, poetically said: it lacks subtle nuances. So, what are we missing? - The "I" in "team." It may be a synchronous organism (albeit not always), but what we tend to forget is that the familiar faces we see every day are, in fact, multidimensional individuals whose needs are astonishingly identical to ours: feeling heard, seen, and most of all, appreciated.

One-on-one

or as the French would say: tête-à-tête. Now, this step is essential. Recent studies have shown that initial individual meetings, separating the "conflicting parties," have a better success rate for conflict resolution. And, yes, it may sound a bit counterintuitive regarding the whole "teamwork, team spirit" narrative, but it's a fruit-bearing start. So, what's good about the "one-on-one" approach? It's the "I" in "team." By initiating a private meeting, we're showing interest in their individual, authentic perspective, and it's saying: "I want to hear your side of the story." Individual meetings make room for building empathy and gaining a deeper understanding of the conflict. (not to be mistaken with sympathy, empathy shows understanding, it doesn't imply siding with the party in question) Relocation professionals from hnmovers.com share: "We get office relocation requests all the time. Transitioning to a new office space can be turbulent and challenging for employees." - More reason to take good care of each other.

Jigsaw falling into place

Once we've gathered enough information, it's time to bring the parties together and get those teamwork juices flowing. Before we commence the mediation hour, it's important to set some ground rules. (that's what good mediators do) So, it's not an open panel. There are rules, and all parties must agree upon the given guidelines before the mediation gets underway.

encourage conflicting parties to listen to one another
no personal comments
no interruption
respect for differing points of view
encourage and apply active listening, so both parties can understand where the other individual is coming from
reminiscence hour: ask the parties to remember a situation where they've worked together with success
insist on using a calm, non-aggressive tone
brainstorm hour: toss ideas around. ask questions about their needs and possible solutions

If by any chance the conversation becomes heated, we should pause, take a break, and take up again as soon as the tension fades away completely.

Go, iron team

So, how do we go from conflict to team harmony? - By reintroducing a long-forgotten and exceptionally underestimated "tool": human contact. One of the key goals when resolving conflict among team members is to weave a futureproof material into the collective fabric. Prevention of future conflicts is possible if we manage to build a strong team of "I's" who care about and respect one another. And we do it by introducing bonding exercises and activities.

personality tests can help with gaining insight into coworkers' personality traits, triggers, and needs. Plus, it's a lot of fun.
karaoke, always
"blind lunchbreak" Thursdays; office edition
"Human knot" game
"Two truths, one lie" game
"Egg drop" game

Finally

If we want to learn how to overcome conflict, we must first embrace and welcome the changes it brings. Its nature may be turbulent, but it is also exceptionally giving. Conflict induces growth. It pushes our boundaries; most importantly, it makes us stronger, wiser, and less afraid.

Meta description: Never a dull moment. Workplace discord is a thing. This is how to overcome conflict and start working as a team.

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Portable Office Essentials for Working on the Go

By Jamie Florio • 02 May, 2024

Portable Office Essentials for Working on the Go If you want to maintain your work efficiency anywhere, portable office essentials for working on the go are required! These compact yet powerful tools are designed to keep you efficient and organized, whether traveling for business or working remotely from a coffee shop. From lightweight laptops to noise-canceling headphones, there are plenty of things to pick up! Choosing the right bag Bags are one of the most important portable office essentials for working on the go. They are the cornerstone of your mobile workspace, accommodating all your essential tools and gear while offering convenience and comfort. Here’s what to look for: Versatility stands out as a primary consideration, so look for a bag that seamlessly transitions between various environments and occasions, be it a bustling airport terminal or a crowded coffee shop. Ample storage space and organizational features are non-negotiables since they ensure your laptop, tablet, documents, and peripherals can be neatly stowed away and easily accessed when needed. Durability is another critical factor, as your bag must withstand the wear and tear of daily commutes and frequent travel. Robust materials, reinforced stitching, and quality construction contribute to a bag's longevity and reliability. Comfort plays a role, too, particularly if you anticipate long hours of wear. Lightweight laptop or tablet Opting for a lightweight laptop or tablet is great for maximizing productivity on the go, allowing you to take full advantage of virtual offices . These portable devices offer flexibility and convenience, enabling seamless transitions between different work environments. Whether catching up on emails during your commute or participating in virtual meetings from a coffee shop, a lightweight laptop or tablet provides the versatility to stay connected and productive. With long battery life and powerful processing capabilities, these devices empower you to tackle tasks efficiently and effectively, no matter where you are. Besides, their compact size makes them easy to carry around, enhancing your mobility and flexibility. Portable chargers and power banks Portable chargers and power banks are indispensable accessories for modern professionals on the move, providing uninterrupted productivity wherever you go. These compact devices provide a reliable power source for your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. With them, you never have to worry about running out of battery during crucial moments! With fast-charging capabilities and high-capacity batteries, portable chargers and power banks offer quick and efficient charging solutions. Finally, their lightweight and portable design makes them easy to carry in your bag or pocket, making them ideal companions for travel, outdoor adventures, or simply navigating a busy day. Wireless mouse and keyboard Wireless mouse and keyboard setups offer convenience and flexibility for remote workers and digital nomads alike. With no cables to tether you to your device, you can enjoy freedom of movement and decluttered workspaces. These ergonomic peripherals also provide a comfortable typing and navigation experience, reducing strain on your wrists and fingers. Besides being compatible with various devices and easily connected via Bluetooth or USB receivers, wireless mice and keyboards seamlessly integrate into workflow, allowing seamless transitions between tasks! Noise-canceling headphones With advanced technology that actively reduces ambient noise, noise-canceling headphones create a serene and immersive listening experience, allowing you to concentrate on your tasks without interruption. Whether working in a bustling office, noisy cafe, or on a crowded plane, noise-canceling headphones provide a sanctuary of tranquility, enabling you to escape into your work with clarity and precision. Likewise, many models offer superior sound quality, delivering crisp audio and deep bass for an enjoyable listening experience. Of course, comfort is also key, with soft padding and adjustable headbands guaranteeing long-term wearability without discomfort. Portable Wi-Fi hotspot With a portable hotspot, you can avoid the stress of hunting down a solid internet connection! This way, you can maintain seamless productivity no matter your location. These compact devices also create a secure Wi-Fi network you can connect to with your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. That can be particularly valuable if you’re handling important documents and don’t want to take risks! Multiport USB hub A multiport USB hub is a must-have accessory for expanding your device connectivity options and simplifying your portable office setup. You can connect devices like external hard drives, flash drives, and peripherals like mice and keyboards with USB ports. This versatile hub eliminates the need for constantly swapping cables and allows you to keep all your devices connected simultaneously! Naturally, this will eliminate hassle and boost your productivity and efficiency. Travel-friendly desk accessories Travel-friendly desk accessories are great for enhancing your portable office setup and improving your workspace efficiency. These compact and versatile accessories include cable organizers, laptop stands, and portable desk lamps. Obviously, they’re all designed to optimize your workspace for productivity on the go! Cable organizers keep your cables neatly organized and tangle-free, preventing clutter and confusion. A portable laptop stand provides ergonomic support, reducing strain on your neck and shoulders during long work sessions. Meanwhile, a portable desk lamp offers adjustable lighting options, providing optimal visibility and reducing eye strain in any environment. So, equip yourself with these essential accessories and take your portable office setup to the next level! Cloud storage solutions With cloud storage, you can easily access your files from any device with an internet connection! These platforms also offer robust security features to protect your data from unauthorized access, including encryption and multi-factor authentication. Similarly, cloud storage solutions provide seamless collaboration capabilities, allowing multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously. They even track changes in real time! Lastly, with scalable storage options and flexible pricing plans, you can customize your cloud storage solution to meet your budget. Portable scanner or scanner app A portable scanner or scanner app is incredibly useful for digitizing documents and streamlining your workflow on the go. These handy tools allow you to quickly and easily scan documents, receipts, and business cards. With a scanner app, you can transform your phone into a powerful scanning tool, eliminating the need for bulky equipment. Of course, specialized scanners offer additional features such as automatic document feeding and high-resolution scanning capabilities, improving scan quality and accuracy. Still, whether you're digitizing important paperwork while traveling or capturing meeting notes on the fly, a portable scanner or scanner app provides the flexibility and convenience you need to stay organized and productive! Flexible storage solutions If you’re constantly on the move and change locations every few months, you need flexible storage solutions. After all, you can’t carry too much with you by plane or train. In this case, working with PortaBox Storage Seattle is a great idea. This moving and storage company can deliver a portable storage unit at your current location and then hold on to it for you until you reach your destination. Finally, they ship the unit to your new location. How convenient is that? Taking advantage of portable office essentials for working on the go With our list of portable office essentials for working on the go, you can improve your daily life. By equipping yourself with tools like compact laptops, noise-canceling headphones, and portable chargers, you'll be well-prepared to tackle tasks from anywhere! Whether you're a digital nomad or a remote worker, these essentials ensure will help you stay productive and efficient no matter where your adventures take you!