Recently, I worked with an organization where the account managers joked that the sellers were like sharks in the water. They were attempting to make light of a frustrating situation. The account managers were constantly stressed and on the defensive, trying to anticipate when the sellers would suddenly “attack” with their demands. It was fueling negativity and, therefore, reducing productivity for both teams.

This can happen wherever there is a difference in perspectives. The conflict could be between departments, between team members, or between groups at different levels of the organization. One group feels that they aren’t getting what they need to do their jobs, so they increase the pressure and nagging. The other party retreats or retaliates. This repeats again and again until everyone is exhausted.

The good news is that you can break the cycle and create real resolution that will lead to more clarity and increased productivity for everyone involved.

If you have a situation where it feels like there are sharks in the water or, perhaps, you feel like you’re being perceived as a shark, it’s time for an honest conversation to end the conflict.

Here are some tips:

Validate differing perspectives.

The challenges you are facing (and your associated feelings) are real. So are the challenges and emotions on the other side. Recognizing that and demonstrating a willingness to listen goes a long way when beginning this conversation. When people know their opinions are valued and respected, it creates a more open and constructive discussion.

Find a common purpose. 

There is a reason why each team exists. Remind yourselves how you, your teams, and the entire organization benefit from effective collaboration. Spend some time listing the ways you could fill in the blanks in this sentence: We work together to (what) because (why) .

Once you’ve finished your brainstorming, choose the statement(s) that resonate most with both teams and point back to them as you continue the conversation.

Define what works.

We will always improve faster when we are more focused on repeating what works than on fixing problems. Look for any areas where things are going well. What makes that collaborative effort successful? What strengths do the people involved bring to the table? How can the tactics that have been used successfully in the past be applied to your current situation?  Where can your team function autonomously? Where do you need to collaborate to accomplish your goal?

As the teams move forward and continue to work together, proactively revisit this conversation. Work through the same steps to keep communication flowing so that the organization thrives. And if you ever feel that you are reaching an impasse, point back to your common purpose. Knowing your shared “why” will simplify conflicts and make them feel more manageable.

Ready to take your next step towards turning chaos into clarity?