Two remote team members are in conflict. How can you resolve the situation without making it worse?

To effectively resolve conflict between remote team members, approach the situation with empathy and neutrality. Arrange a private virtual meeting with each individual to understand their perspectives. Encourage open communication and active listening, emphasizing common goals and collaboration. Facilitate a joint discussion to address the issue, focusing on finding a mutually acceptable solution. By fostering a respectful and supportive environment, you can help both parties move forward constructively without escalating the conflict.

Allow each member to share their perspective on the conflict without interruption, providing them with a dedicated time to express their thoughts fully. Once they have finished, summarize their key points and repeat them to ensure that you have accurately captured their views. During their delivery, pay close attention to critical details such as the spark or initial trigger of the conflict. Additionally, take note of their emotional responses to subsequent events; for instance, consider how being yelled at or having a phone call ignored made them feel. When seeking clarity on statements, refrain from interjecting during emotional moments. Instead, ask for clarification when they are discussing factual aspects of the conflict.

Once the causes of a conflict are identified, collaboratively explore potential solutions. This inclusive approach empowers team members to actively participate in the resolution process, increasing their commitment to the final agreement. Encourage creative problem-solving and compromise, ensuring each party makes concessions. The goal is to reach a mutually acceptable solution, fostering cooperation and harmony within the team.

This is a great coaching opportunity. Start by asking them to explain there side of conflict (assuming both individuals have their own), what have they done in the past to resolute similar conflict or brainstorm with them if they haven't dealt with something similar, settle on next steps with some softer time frames and what can you help them with. It would be great if you could manage impact on wider team or individuals relationships till they figure out a resolution however would not recommend to actively manage two workers' conflict as it barely works and working through conflicts build better understanding between two individuals.