Your plant operations team is at odds. How can you foster harmony and productivity among them?

In our journey to decarbonize a wastewater treatment plant using microalgae systems, I’ve seen firsthand that technical solutions alone aren’t enough—team harmony is critical. There were days when we didn’t have all the skills in place, but what kept us moving was trust, openness, and being team players. Instead of blaming, we listened. I’d map out roles, align our KPIs, and hold one-on-one talks to clear tension. Once we treated team friction like a system fault—not a people fault—we started fixing the real issues, and productivity soared.

Establishing a foundation of trust and transparency is key to bridging gaps within your operations team 🌉. Encourage collaborative problem-solving sessions that empower members to co-create solutions rather than assign blame 🧩. Celebrate small wins together to reinforce unity and build morale 🎉. Providing cross-training opportunities can also enhance empathy and appreciation for each other’s roles, fostering a more cohesive environment 🛠️. Most importantly, lead by example—demonstrate respect, consistency, and open-mindedness in every interaction 🤝.

- Assess the Issue The first step in resolving conflict is to identify the main root causes to using systematic methods 3C, A3, 8D . Have candid discussions with My team to understand their concerns. Sometimes, issues stem from miscommunication or misunderstandings of regular responsibilities. By pinpointing the exact problems, you can begin to address them directly. Remember, it's important to listen actively and validate your team's feelings during these conversations. This shows that you value their input and are committed to making improvements.

When my plant operations team is at odds, I start by assessing the issues objectively to understand root causes without bias. I then set clear expectations around roles, communication, and mutual respect to align everyone on shared goals. To bridge gaps, I encourage open dialogue, creating a safe space where team members can voice concerns and feel heard. I invest in team-building activities to rebuild trust and collaboration. By consistently recognizing efforts, I reinforce positive behavior and boost morale. Lastly, I promote a culture of continuous improvement, where feedback leads to progress, not blame. This approach fosters harmony and sustained productivity.

We have faced the same issue where internal customers have been at odd, and what we have assessed is that all they needed was to be heard, no fancy team meeting was needed. Just get them heard and make them feel heard.

Providing them with a vision that they are part of something bigger. The work they doing is contributing to a larger cause and with that sense of pride in them And clarity with there roles will solve alot

- Set up Clear Expectations Clear expectations are the foundation of a well-functioning plant operations team. Ensure that each team member understands their role, responsibilities,to using effective way and how they fit into the larger picture of plant operations. Establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs) can help clarify what is expected from each position. Moreover, when expectations are clear, it's easier for team members to hold each other accountable, which can lead to improved teamwork and reduced friction.

Setting clear expectations is critical. I once took over a new management group that had remote workers performing the same tasks. Results were faltering & inconsistent and there was resentment that there was no alignment from the team. Being remote made it more challenging to understand the real issue so we did some discovery sessions and learned that they were all doing things differently. Then, we met to discuss the current status and what was or wasn't working. In collaboration, we developed an SOP based on the client SLAs and best practices from the employees completing the work. The clarity and consistency quickly elevated employee satisfaction and confidence as their productivity increased and compliance ratings improved.

Encourage Dialogue - Open & Honest communication platform are vital for resolving disputes and fostering a collaborative environment. Encourage your team to share ideas , suggestions and concerns regularly, not just when issues arise. This can be facilitated through regular team meetings or by creating an open-door policy where team members feel comfortable approaching management with their thoughts. By fostering an environment where dialogue is welcomed, you can catch potential conflicts early and address them before they escalate

A challenging short-term revenue target requiring everyone's collaboration can be a potent catalyst for unity, compelling the plant operations team to set aside functional or personal differences for a shared purpose. The experience of achieving this difficult goal together builds team confidence and shows them the benefits of cooperation and dialogue. Following this success, leadership should facilitate a discussion to highlight what worked well and underscore that such achievements are only possible through effective teamwork.

-Team Building Investing time in team-building activities can significantly improve relationships within your plant operations team. These activities don't have to be elaborate; even simple exercises that require teamwork can help build trust and camaraderie. When team members better understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, they can collaborate more effectively on the plant floor. Plus, team building can make work more enjoyable, which naturally enhances productivity

- Recognised efforts Recognition goes a long way in motivating a team and fostering a positive work environment. Acknowledge individual and group achievements regularly. This can be as simple as thanking someone for their hard work or highlighting a team's success during a meeting. When team members feel appreciated, they are more likely to work harmoniously with others and strive for collective success