Two drilling team members clash on strategies. How can you guide them towards a resolution?

1 Identify Issues

To resolve a clash between drilling team members, the first step is to identify the core issues at hand. Listen to each member's perspective to understand their concerns and the reasons behind their chosen strategies. It's crucial to recognize that each strategy likely has its merits based on different experiences and expertise. By pinpointing the specific points of contention, you can address each issue methodically, ensuring that both parties feel heard and understood.

2 Encourage Dialogue

Once the issues are identified, encourage open dialogue between the team members. Facilitate a discussion where each person can present their strategy and underlying rationale without interruption. This process promotes mutual respect and allows each individual to appreciate the other's viewpoint. It's important that this exchange remains focused on the strategies rather than personal differences, steering the conversation toward productive problem-solving.

3 Evaluate Options

With a clear understanding of each strategy, evaluate the options by considering the project's objectives, resources, and constraints. This might involve a technical assessment of the risks and benefits associated with each approach. Encourage the team members to weigh in on this evaluation, helping them see how their strategies align with or diverge from the project's goals. This step can often reveal a compromise or a hybrid strategy that combines the best elements of both approaches.

4 Decision Criteria

Establishing decision criteria is critical for resolving strategy clashes. These criteria should be based on project goals, safety standards, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. By agreeing on a set of objective standards, the team members can assess their strategies against these benchmarks. This approach helps depersonalize the conflict and focuses the discussion on meeting shared objectives, which is more likely to lead to a consensus.

5 Implement Solution

Once a resolution is agreed upon, it's time to implement the solution. Create a detailed plan that outlines the agreed-upon strategy, including specific steps, responsibilities, and timelines. Ensure that both team members are involved in this process and have clear roles to play in the execution of the plan. This not only reinforces the resolution but also promotes a sense of ownership and accountability for the success of the project.

6 Monitor Progress

After implementation, it's important to monitor the progress of the chosen strategy closely. Set up regular check-ins to review data, discuss any challenges that arise, and make adjustments as necessary. This ongoing evaluation allows the team to stay aligned and responsive to the dynamic nature of drilling operations. It also reinforces the collaborative spirit by showing that both team members' inputs continue to be valued throughout the project lifecycle.

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?