Last updated on Jul 4, 2024

Your consulting team is facing power struggles. How can you maintain productivity amidst the chaos?

When your consulting team is embroiled in power struggles, it can feel like navigating a ship through a storm. Maintaining productivity in such turbulent times requires a deft hand and an understanding of group dynamics. It's essential to remember that your team's success hinges on its ability to work cohesively, even when individual members are at odds. As you face these challenges, consider the following strategies to keep your team focused and effective, ensuring that internal conflicts don't derail your collective goals.

1 Acknowledge Tensions

In the face of power struggles, the worst thing you can do is ignore them. Acknowledge the elephant in the room and bring the team together to address the issue openly. This doesn't mean hosting a venting session; rather, it's about creating a safe space where concerns can be voiced without fear of retribution. Encourage your team to express their viewpoints with respect and listen actively. By validating each person's experience, you foster an environment of trust and pave the way for genuine collaboration.

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Jikun LI

Regional HRBP & Talent Acquisition Manager | Chinese/English bilingual
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Tensions arises in all, if not most workplaces. Especially so in a intense environment such as that of a consulting team, where pressure can come in all directions, and even within! One problem about sweeping things under the carpet is that it goes unsolved, and the tensions will rise to the breaking point eventually. Acknowledgement of tensions does not equate to confrontations but rather necessitate open communication from all parties. Give all those involved a seat at the table, and a voice to contribute their ideas and opinions. Set the expectations right to avoid giving the highest paid/ranked person in the room the "loudest" voice. However, if this proved too difficult, having a neutral facilitator may help

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2 Set Clear Roles

Clarity is your ally in times of conflict. Take the time to clearly define each team member's role and responsibilities. This action helps to eliminate ambiguity, which can often be a breeding ground for power struggles. When everyone understands their place in the team and what's expected of them, there's less room for territorial disputes. Regularly revisit these roles and responsibilities to ensure they align with evolving project needs and personal growth within the team.

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Jikun LI

Regional HRBP & Talent Acquisition Manager | Chinese/English bilingual
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Setting Clear Roles may diminish the flexibility and agility of the team members, but putting such constraints may be necessary if power struggle is causing paralysis in the team. By drawing clear boundaries and making everyone play by the rules, productivity will increase when less energy is spent on distractions such as conflict resolutions

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3 Foster Communication

Open and continuous communication is the lifeline of a productive team, especially when tensions are high. Encourage your team to share information, ask questions, and offer support to one another. Implement regular check-ins and team meetings to ensure everyone is on the same page and to provide opportunities for members to discuss project progress and any concerns they may have. Effective communication can help prevent misunderstandings and mitigate conflicts before they escalate.

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4 Promote Collaboration

Encourage a culture of collaboration rather than competition within your team. Highlight the importance of collective success over individual achievements. Facilitate team-building activities that require cooperation and joint problem-solving. When team members work together towards a common goal, they're more likely to put aside their differences and focus on what truly matters—the project's success.

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5 Implement Conflict Resolution

Equip your team with conflict resolution tools and techniques. This proactive approach allows team members to handle disputes constructively when they arise. Train your team in effective negotiation skills, active listening, and empathy. By giving them the means to resolve conflicts amicably, you empower them to maintain productivity and harmony within the group.

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Jikun LI

Regional HRBP & Talent Acquisition Manager | Chinese/English bilingual
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Even in a team of mature consultants, everyone may not be on the same page when it comes to Conflict Resolution due to their own unique experiences. Take time (as early as possible) to train (or re-train/refresh) everyone on a pre-agreed set of protocols and approach to resolving conflict so that when dispute arises, there is common understanding from all parties on the right path to take

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6 Lead by Example

As a leader, your behavior sets the tone for the entire team. Demonstrate how to handle power struggles with professionalism and poise. Show respect for all opinions and mediate disputes impartially. Your ability to remain calm and collected during conflicts will inspire your team to emulate these behaviors. Leading by example is a powerful way to influence your team's dynamics positively.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Your consulting team is facing power struggles. How can you maintain productivity amidst the chaos?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Tensions

2 Set Clear Roles

3 Foster Communication

4 Promote Collaboration

5 Implement Conflict Resolution

6 Lead by Example

7 Here’s what else to consider

Consulting

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Your consulting team is facing power struggles. How can you maintain productivity amidst the chaos?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Tensions

2 Set Clear Roles

3 Foster Communication

4 Promote Collaboration

5 Implement Conflict Resolution

6 Lead by Example

7 Here’s what else to consider

Consulting

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