How can you avoid conflicts with peers while working remotely?

1 Clarify expectations

One of the main sources of conflict in remote work is unclear or mismatched expectations. You and your peers may have different assumptions, preferences, or standards about how to work, communicate, or deliver results. To avoid confusion and frustration, you need to clarify your expectations and align them with your peers. This means discussing and agreeing on the scope, goals, roles, responsibilities, deadlines, and feedback mechanisms of your projects. It also means setting boundaries and respecting each other's availability, working hours, and communication styles.

2 Communicate effectively

Another key factor in preventing conflicts is effective communication. You need to communicate regularly, clearly, and respectfully with your peers to keep them updated, informed, and engaged. You also need to use the appropriate tools and channels for different purposes and situations. For example, you may use email for formal or detailed messages, instant messaging for quick or casual chats, and video calls for complex or sensitive discussions. You should also be mindful of your tone, language, and non-verbal cues when communicating remotely, as they can affect how your message is perceived and received.

5 Resolve conflicts

Despite your best efforts, conflicts may still arise with your peers. If this happens, you need to resolve them as soon as possible, before they escalate or damage your relationship. You can do this by following some steps. First, acknowledge the conflict and agree to address it. Second, define the problem and identify the underlying needs and interests of each party. Third, generate and evaluate possible solutions that satisfy both parties. Fourth, agree on a solution and a plan of action. Fifth, implement the solution and follow up on the results.

6 Seek support

Finally, if you are struggling to avoid or resolve conflicts with your peers, you can seek support from others. You can reach out to your manager, mentor, or coach for guidance, advice, or mediation. You can also join a peer support group or network, where you can share your experiences, challenges, and best practices with other remote workers. You can also access online resources, such as blogs, podcasts, or courses, that can help you improve your skills and knowledge on managing conflict and feedback remotely.

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?