Your startup team is divided on a decision. How will you unite them to achieve a common goal?
When your startup team is at odds over a decision, unity is key. Here are strategies to bring everyone together:
- Encourage open dialogue where each member can voice concerns and ideas without judgment.
- Identify shared goals and values to remind the team of the bigger picture and align efforts.
- Facilitate a structured decision-making process, such as voting or consensus-building, to democratically move forward.
How do you foster unity within your team during disagreements?
Your startup team is divided on a decision. How will you unite them to achieve a common goal?
When your startup team is at odds over a decision, unity is key. Here are strategies to bring everyone together:
- Encourage open dialogue where each member can voice concerns and ideas without judgment.
- Identify shared goals and values to remind the team of the bigger picture and align efforts.
- Facilitate a structured decision-making process, such as voting or consensus-building, to democratically move forward.
How do you foster unity within your team during disagreements?
-
Lázaro Carvalho
Gerente de PCP | Suprimentos | Logística | Planejamento de Demanda | Supply Chain
(edited)To unite a divided team, it is crucial to listen to all opinions and reinforce the startup's vision. Base the decision on facts, and if consensus is not possible, the leader should make the final decision. Once made, everyone must commit to its execution and collaborate to achieve the common goal.
-
At ULOG3 ,I’d bring the team together to refocus on our shared mission, emphasizing that "alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." By encouraging open dialogue and proposing a solution that incorporates everyone’s input, I’d ensure we move forward united and aligned with our common goal of building the world’s first neuromorphic CubeSat.
-
When this happens, I think it's a good time to go right back to basics. What is your why? Why does the start up exist in the first place. I often find that revisiting the why helps you remember what direction you should be going in. Of course, it might be that your why needs updated, in which case start there.
-
Call a Meeting: Gather everyone in a room—or on Zoom—and say, “Let’s solve this before we end up in a reality show.” Celebrate: Once you’ve united the team, celebrate the victory. “We did it! Now, who’s buying the first round of coffee?”
-
The key is to start with optimism. The more optimistic you are as a leader, the more the team will focus on problem-solving rather than on making a list of things that are killing them. Gather the team and ask them to voice their ideas and list the pros and the cons. Listen, do not judge. Your job is to steer the team to the bigger picture. Evaluate data, make a clear decision and then stick with it. The more forward looking and positive you are is where you will see success.
-
To unite your startup team, especially when they are divided on a decision, facilitate open dialogue and clarify the common goal. Remind the team of the bigger picture and how this decision impacts the overall mission.
-
The point of working/leading a team is to be able to hear all opinions and ensure the differing voices and their points are heard. It is more important to bring them to a common ground and explain to either side their benefits and pitfalls. It is most important to base your decision on the better growth of both, your team and your start-up. If there is still a stalemate, use a more democratic voting process and use all three solutions; yours, and the two other ones from your team. Lead, don't boss.
-
To unite a divided startup team, ensure everyone understands and aligns with the overall vision and objectives. Facilitate open dialogue to discuss differing viewpoints and encourage active listening. Identify common goals and show how each perspective contributes to achieving them. Use decision-making techniques to find consensus and address any underlying conflicts. Finally, celebrate successes to reinforce teamwork and shared purpose.
-
Understanding the differences and arguments that create division is crucial. When it comes to major decisions, discuss all points that may influence a change of direction. Take into account the best and worst outcomes, weigh them out together, and choose the direction that has consequences you can live with. However, unity truly comes when all discussion participants can disagree and commit to the choice they didn't vouch for, because they understand why it is a wiser decision in business terms.
-
Agreed! Approach conflict resolution by fostering an environment where the best ideas can surface through rigorous debate, clear direct communication, and a focus on the company and product vision and goals.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Startup DevelopmentHow can you create a pitch deck that showcases your startup's diversity and inclusivity?
-
Startup DevelopmentYou're at odds with your co-founder on feature importance. How do you find common ground?
-
EntrepreneurshipWhat are the best team structures for early-stage startups?
-
Startup DevelopmentWhat strategies can you use to create a transparent and open startup culture?