Wednesday, January 2, 2019

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Keep Red Hair Color from Fading

Posted: 02 Jan 2019 04:00 PM PST

If you love the way you look as a redhead but you hate how quickly the color fades, you're not alone. Red hair coloring is notoriously the hardest to maintain.[1] Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to keep sporting your crimson locks a little longer between touch-ups.

EditSteps

EditTaking Care with Washing

  1. Wait at least 2 days after coloring to wash your hair. If you wash your hair too soon after coloring it, the cuticle can lift and your hair color can seep out, causing the color to fade almost immediately. By waiting for about 48 hours after coloring to wash your hair, the dye will have time to saturate the strand.[2]
    Keep Red Hair Color from Fading Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • Because color processing can strip the natural oils from your hair, you probably won't have to worry about your hair becoming oily during the 2 days after you get your hair colored. However, if your roots do seem oily, you can spray them with a little dry shampoo to make them look cleaner.
  2. Use a shampoo and conditioner formulated for color-treated hair. Products designed for processed hair are alcohol- and sulfate-free and are made to be extra gentle to help protect the color of your hair. They may also contain vitamins and antioxidants to nourish and protect your hair.[3]
    Keep Red Hair Color from Fading Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • If you like, you can use a shampoo or conditioner designed to deposit additional color onto your hair every time you wash it. However, keep in mind that this can change the appearance of your hair color.
    • Avoid clarifying and anti-dandruff shampoos, which can strip the color from your hair. [4]
  3. Condition every time you wash with a hydrating conditioner. Dyed hair tends to be extra dry and brittle, which will make your hair color look faded and dull. In addition, dry hair tends not to hold color as well. A good conditioner formulated for color-treated hair will give your fiery locks a much-needed moisture boost and will protect your hair in the future.[5]
    Keep Red Hair Color from Fading Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • Color-depositing conditioners can help add a boost of red to your hair each time you wash. Just make sure to match the shade to your color.
  4. Rinse your hair in cool water when you wash. Hot water causes your hair to expand, which opens the cuticle on each strand, allowing water and shampoo to penetrate deeper into the hair and wash out more color with every rinse. Cool water seals the cuticle and locks in moisture.[6]
    Keep Red Hair Color from Fading Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • In addition to preserving the color, rinsing your hair with cold water will make it look shinier.
  5. Skip the shampoo altogether for an even gentler wash. Try co-washing instead, or washing your hair using just conditioner. Apply conditioner to the roots of your hair and massage your scalp for several minutes to loosen any dirt or oil, then rinse your hair.[7]
    Keep Red Hair Color from Fading Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • Washing your hair with conditioner will help it look shinier and will help preserve your hair color.
    • Co-washing works best on dry hair. It also works well on curly hair. If your hair is both curly and dyed red, co-washing will keep your color from fading and keep your hair moisturized and frizz-free.
    • If your hair tends to be oily, you will probably see better results by using a gentle shampoo.
  6. Wash your hair as infrequently as possible. The more often you wash your hair, the faster your color will fade. Try to limit washing your hair to once or twice a week to preserve the bright red color of your hair as long as possible.[8]
    Keep Red Hair Color from Fading Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • When you shampoo every day, your scalp produces excess oil. At first, when you skip a day shampooing, your hair may seem very oily; however, over time, your scalp won't produce as much oil and you won't need to wash your hair as often.[9]
    • Use dry shampoo if your roots get oily between washings. Dry shampoo can help absorb dirt from your roots, helping your hair look cleaner.[10]
    • If you exercise every day, spritz a little dry shampoo on your roots after your workout. If you can, try waiting until your hair is almost dry. The product will distribute more evenly, giving you cleaner-looking hair.
  7. Apply a deep conditioner once a week. Keeping your hair moisturized is the most important thing you can do to keep your color looking vibrant longer. A deep conditioner, like a hair mask or a hot oil treatment, will pump your hair full of moisture and nutrients to keep it looking healthy, strong, and bright.[11]
    Keep Red Hair Color from Fading Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • If you like, you can make your own deep conditioner by blending avocado, egg, honey, coconut milk, and half a banana. Apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it in cool water.
  8. Switch out your shower head for one with a filter. Normal tap water contains minerals, sediments, and additives like chlorine, all of which can dull your hair and strip its color. Choosing a shower head with a filter will ensure that you're washing your hair in only the purest water.[12]
    Keep Red Hair Color from Fading Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • Remember to change out the filter on your shower head every 6 months or so to continue getting soft, clean water.

EditProtecting Your Color from the Elements

  1. Don't swim in chlorinated pools or saltwater. Fresh water is fine for swimming, but swimming in a chlorine pool will bleach out your hair and can drastically change the color, and saltwater is extremely drying and may dull your hair's fiery shine.[13]
    Keep Red Hair Color from Fading Step 9.jpg
    • If you do decide to go swimming in chlorine or saltwater, wear a swimming cap or don't put your head in the water.
    • If you do get chlorine on your hair, you'll need to wash it out with a clarifying shampoo, which will fade your color.
  2. Keep heat styling to a minimum. Heat can dry out your hair, which will make the color look dull and faded. Occasional blow-drying or straightening is fine, but it shouldn't be done every day.[14]
    Keep Red Hair Color from Fading Step 10.jpg
    • If you do use heat tools like a blow-dryer or a curling iron, spray your hair with a thermal protectant first so the heat doesn't damage your hair.
  3. Wear a hat if you're going to spend a lot of time in the sun. UV rays can damage your hair and dull your color. It's already a good idea to wear a hat to protect your face from sun damage, but covering your hair can help keep your color looking new longer.[15]
    Keep Red Hair Color from Fading Step 11.jpg
    • You can also spray your hair with a UV-protecting spray before you leave the house if you know you're going to be in the sun.[16]
  4. Have your hair glazed every 4 weeks. A glaze is a treatment that will boost the vibrancy and shine of your hair for about a month. You can either have this done at the salon or you can purchase an at-home glaze.[17]
    Keep Red Hair Color from Fading Step 12.jpg
    • If you're glazing your hair at home, follow all of the instructions on the packaging. Consider asking a friend to help you to ensure even coverage.

EditSources and Citations

EditQuick Summary


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How to Get Rid of Gnats

Posted: 02 Jan 2019 08:00 AM PST

Few insects are quite as pesky as gnats. Fortunately, dealing with them is relatively easy. If gnats have been buzzing around your sinks and drains, scrub away grimy deposits in the pipes where they lay their eggs. Traps can cut down the number of adult flies and help you monitor the infestation's severity. Cutting off gnats' food supply is crucial, so store food in sealed containers, wipe up spills, and keep your trash bins covered and clean. With a little diligence, you can turn your home into a fly-free zone.

EditHousehold Fixes

If you have gnats that you want to deal with right now, you may already have everything you need at home:

EditSteps

EditDealing with Gnats in Sinks and Drains

  1. Scrub inside the drain pipe to remove organic matter. Grime that builds up inside drain pipes is the perfect breeding ground for gnats. Use a wire brush or pipe cleaner to scrape away stubborn deposits of organic matter.[1]
    Get Rid of Gnats Step 1 Version 6.jpg
    • After scrubbing the drain, bring a pot of water to a near boil, then pour it down the drain to clear the debris you've scraped.
    • Bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and other cleaning products won't cut through deposits in your drain pipes.
  2. Clear your drains with an enzymatic, foaming cleaner. If you can't access your drain pipes with a wire brush, there are foaming products designed to eat away organic matter. Look for a product with "enzymatic" in its name or description at a hardware store. Pour it down the drain according to the label's instructions, then let it sit overnight.[2]
    Get Rid of Gnats Step 2 Version 6.jpg
    • After letting the cleaner sit, pour near-boiling water down the drain.
    • Foaming products work better than liquid cleaners.
    • If you're concerned about putting chemicals down your drain, there are eco-friendly, non-toxic enzymatic drain cleaners available.[3]
  3. Clean your drain with hot water nightly to prevent slimy buildup. Pouring hot water down your drain every night is the best way to keep your pipes clear. Aside from enzymatic drain cleaners, you should avoid pouring chemicals down your drains.[4]
    Get Rid of Gnats Step 3 Version 6.jpg
    • Bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and other household products can erode pipes, especially older cast iron pipes.
    • Additionally, cleaning products can react with other chemicals in your pipes. A harmful reaction could produce dangerous fumes or pressure strong enough to burst a pipe.
    • Don't pour insecticide down the drain, as harsh pesticides can have negative environmental impacts.[5]

EditMaking Gnat Traps

  1. Trap gnats in a jar filled with vinegar. Find a used can or jar, and fill it about halfway with apple cider vinegar. Mix in a drop of dish soap to break the surface tension, which will help prevent trapped gnats from escaping. Leave the jar in an area you've seen gnats buzzing about, such as your kitchen or dining room.[6]
    Get Rid of Gnats Step 4 Version 6.jpg
    • After you fill your can or jar, you could seal the lid and poke small holes in it with a nail or screw. That way, any gnats that don't drown in the vinegar can't escape.
    • You could also cut a plastic bottle in half, and add vinegar to the bottom half. Place the top, or the part with the narrow nozzle, upside down into the base. It should look like a funnel when you're done. Gnats will follow the vinegar scent to find their way into the trap, but they'll have a hard time getting out through bottle's narrow top.
    • If you don't have apple cider vinegar on hand, any type of vinegar will do. Other effective baits include beer or mashed banana.
  2. Try making a wine and soap trap. Fill a small cup about halfway with red wine, then mix in a drop of a dish soap. Leave the cup out on your table or countertop to attract pesky gnats.[7]
    Get Rid of Gnats Step 5 Version 7.jpg
    • The next time you have friends over for drinks, pour an extra cup of wine with dish soap to keep gnats away from your guests' glasses. Just make sure you clearly mark the cup that has dish soap to avoid confusion.
  3. Use traps in combination with other management methods. Traps can help you monitor an infestation and decrease the number of adult gnats in your home. However, on their own, traps aren't an effective way to manage an infestation.[8]
    Get Rid of Gnats Step 6 Version 5.jpg
    • In order to eliminate gnats completely, you'll need to combat all stages of their life cycle. Traps only kill adult gnats; they do nothing to fight eggs or larvae.

EditPreventing Gnat Infestations

  1. Remove food sources that attract gnats. Tidy your kitchen and dining room regularly, wipe up spills immediately, and promptly wash used pots, dishes, and utensils. Store fruit, especially ripened fruit, in the refrigerator.[9]
    Get Rid of Gnats Step 7 Version 5.jpg
    • Always keep food in airtight containers stored in a closed cabinet or refrigerator.
    • Keep your eye out for sneaky spills, such as a little fruit juice by the fridge or a forgotten onion in the back of the pantry. Unnoticed messes could breed thousands of gnats.
  2. Cover your garbage and recycling bins. Keep all of your bins covered, including those outside. Check their exteriors for spills and food residue regularly, and wipe away any messes with a mild bleach solution.[10]
    Get Rid of Gnats Step 8 Version 5.jpg
    • Avoid keeping full bags of trash in the house overnight.
    • It's wise to rinse out empty bottles and cans before throwing them in your recycling bin.
  3. Check doors and windows for holes, gaps, and cracks. Repair any tears in window screens, and add weatherstripping to gaps around doors and window frames. Avoid leaving doors and unscreened windows open. Look for holes and vents on your home's exterior, and seal them with caulk or fine mesh screens.[11]
    Get Rid of Gnats Step 9 Version 5.jpg
    • Some gnats are small enough to fit through mesh screens, so you might want to keep your windows closed, even if they're screened.
  4. Try to eliminate damp spots in your home. Gnats thrive in moist places, so look out for damp corners in the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas of the house. Wipe damp spots down with a mild bleach solution or household cleaner, then dry them with a clean cloth. Store wet towels and clothes in a lidded hamper, and wash dirty mop heads thoroughly before hanging them to dry.[12]
    Get Rid of Gnats Step 10 Version 5.jpg
    • Check the areas beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks, and repair any leaks you find.
    • Keep your blinds and curtains open to let sunlight into your home. Daylight can help prevent dampness.
    • You could also use a humidity monitor and dehumidifier to keep humidity levels in your home below 50%.

EditKeeping Gnats out of Your Plants

  1. Allow the soil to dry out before you water your houseplants. Soil that's constantly damp attracts pests, including gnats, and promotes mold growth. While you shouldn't let your plants wilt or turn yellow, try to hold off watering until the soil is completely dry.[13]
    Get Rid of Gnats Step 11 Version 4.jpg
    • To test the soil, stick your finger about into the surface. If dirt sticks to your finger, it's probably best to hold off watering, unless your plants look sad.
    • It's also best to use containers with drainage holes in the bottom. If your pots sit on saucers that collect excess water, be sure to drain them after you water your plants.
  2. Add beneficial nematodes to your soil. Nematodes are tiny worms that eat the larvae gnats, fleas, and other pests. You can purchase them at a garden center; look for a product labeled for gnat control that contains the nematode species Steinernema feltiae.[14]
    Get Rid of Gnats Step 12 Version 4.jpg
    • Typically, you mix beneficial nematodes with water, then add the mixture to your soil. Check your product's label for specific instructions.
    • Beneficial nematodes are safe for people, plants, and pets, so try not to get grossed out or worry about harmful health effects.
  3. Make a homemade gnat spray with gentle liquid soap and water. Mix a teaspoon or less of gentle hand or dish soap with a of lukewarm water. Add the mixture to a spray bottle, then spritz your plants' leaves. After 2 or 3 hours, rinse the leaves thoroughly with water.[15]
    Get Rid of Gnats Step 13 Version 4.jpg
    • While they're more expensive, you can also purchase insecticidal plant soaps at a garden center.
    • Using a homemade soap spray increases the risk of leaf damage. It's wise to test the spray on a small area before spraying an entire plant. As a rule of thumb, if a soap dries out or irritates your skin, it's probably too harsh for your plants.
  4. Repot your plants if other methods don't work. If you haven't had success keeping flies out of your plants, it's time to transplant them. Water the plant, remove it from the old pot, then gently shake away as much soil as possible from the root system.[16]
    Get Rid of Gnats Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • Fill a new pot nearly to the top with fresh potting soil. Dig a hole in the center large enough to accommodate the roots, bury them, then cover them with soil.
    • If your gnat problem persists after transplanting, you might need to resort to chemical treatment. Head to your local garden center for a plant-safe liquid insecticide labeled for flying insects.

EditTips

  • From fungus gnats to fruit flies, there are countless species of pesky, tiny flies. In general, management strategies will work for any species.
  • If your problem persists despite your best efforts, it might be time to call a professional exterminator.

EditVideo

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations

EditQuick Summary


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How to Work With a Team

Posted: 02 Jan 2019 12:00 AM PST

Being a good team player is an essential skill, especially at work and school. When you're working with a team, make sure every voice is heard and work together toward common goals. Additionally, create compromise to resolve conflicts that arise. Don't worry if you struggle with teamwork. You can improve your skills as a team player. It's also possible to prove you can work independently while working on a team.

EditSteps

EditDeveloping Good Teamwork Skills

  1. Show you're reliable by doing everything you say you will. Your actions will reflect on everyone in your group, so do your best to always follow through. Complete your portion of the workload, and speak up as soon as you notice any issues that may arise.[1]
    Make ADHD‐Friendly Career Choices Step 5.jpg
    • Always keep your promises to the group.
    • If you do need to back out of a promise, take responsibility for it by telling your supervisor, client, or teacher that you had to withdraw from the project. After you notify your supervisor, client, or teacher, tell your team that you've had to back out. Don't put your group in an awkward situation.
  2. Make sure you do an equal share of the work. No one likes a teammate who barely contributes to the project. Take on an equal part of the work, and speak up if you realize you aren't doing your fair share. Not only will your group mates appreciate your work ethic, it will show your supervisor or instructor that you're a good team player.[2]
    Make ADHD‐Friendly Career Choices Step 19 Version 2.jpg
    • Keep in mind that some tasks may be harder than others. Make sure you and your teammates create a balanced workload that's fair to everyone.
    • If you feel like you are doing too much work, tell your team. You might say, "I noticed that our team assignments are a little bit imbalanced. I have extra work assigned to me that I'm hoping we can spread around."
    • If they still don't take on their fair share, talk to them one-on-one about their perspective on the project. Try to address their reasons for holding back. Then, compare your current roles and invite them to take a more active role in the project. If nothing helps, you may be able to talk to your supervisor or instructor, but doing so can be risky. Make sure you've tried to solve the issue as a team first.
  3. Be direct and honest when you communicate with others. Always say what you mean, but use a professional tone. Similarly, don't waste people's time by padding the truth or being indirect about how you really feel.[3]
    Have a Good Job Interview Step 8 Version 3.jpg
    • This includes what you say and what you write in reports, memos, emails, or text messages.
    • On a similar note, don't gossip about or to your teammates.
  4. Share credit with your teammates. No one likes a credit hog, so don't steal the spotlight. Treat the team's accomplishments as a group success. Additionally, acknowledge the individual contributions made by your teammates.[4]
    Be Emotionless Step 19 Version 6.jpg
    • For instance, you might give your teammate credit for having a great idea that helped your team finish your project in half the time.
    • Even if you're the team leader, it's important that you not hog the credit. A team success belongs to everyone.
    • If someone really didn't help the team, talk to them about team expectations and how they can contribute moving forward. You or your teammates may need to help manage their workload.
    • If someone else tries to hog the credit, you have a few choices on how to handle the situation. In the moment, you could say, "Thanks for bringing that up, Sharon. We all worked hard these past few weeks to create this plan." If you can't speak up in the moment, confront your colleague calmly to discuss what happened. Ask them to explain why they indicated that they deserved all the credit. If this doesn't help, you may need to involve your supervisor, so make sure you keep records that show who did what as part of the team.
  5. Adopt a positive attitude when it comes to your work. People are more likely to enjoy working with you if you have a good attitude. You can improve your attitude by approaching problems as an opportunity, expecting a positive outcome, and adopting habits that improve your workday.[5]
    Show Employees Your Appreciation Step 4.jpg
    • One way to always find the positive outcome is to consider your work never complete until something good comes out of it.
    • Good habits to help your workday go more smoothly might include enjoying a mug of your favorite tea every afternoon, organizing your desk to reduce your stress levels, and enjoying a brief, energizing walk at lunch time.

EditWorking Independently While on a Team

  1. Take initiative when working on your collaborations to the team. Although you're working on a team, you'll likely complete some of the work alone. Don't expect your teammates to take responsibility for keeping you on track. Be a self-starter by staying on top of your assignments, creating deadlines for yourself, and meeting project expectations.[6]
    Find a Job in Dubai Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • This also shows your supervisor and teammates that you're able to work independently of the team.
  2. Speak up when you have ideas or expertise about a topic. This shows leadership skills, while also making you a valuable part of the team. Sharing your thoughts shows that you have more to offer and are thinking outside the box. Even if your ideas aren't right for the project, they might lead to future innovations on a different project.[7]
    Become President of the United States Step 6.jpg
    • When you have team meetings, always contribute something to the discussion. If you have trouble thinking on the spot, brainstorm before the meeting so you have some ideas about what you have to say.
  3. Volunteer to take on extra work, when necessary. This is another way to show that you're not only a good team member but also an independent worker. Step up to lead a project, knock out a backlog of unfinished tasks, or complete a side project for your supervisor. Then, complete the extra work as quickly as possible.[8]
    Get Into Stanford Step 6 Version 3.jpg
    • You'll show your independence by setting priorities between each of your work tasks, creating new deadlines for yourself, and following through on your promises.
    • When you take on these extra projects, you'll quickly gain a reputation for being a self-starter and an asset to the organization.
    • Make sure that you don't take on too much work. You'll need to balance your new projects with your current work assignments. Know your schedule so you don't accidentally put too much on your plate.

EditCompleting a Team Project

  1. Pick team members who have skills that complement yours, if you can. If you have a choice on who you'll work with, look for people who are different from you. Although it's tempting to pick similar people so your work will go smoothly, it's better to have diverse ideas and skill sets on your team, as you'll be able to be more creative.[9]
    Succeed in Network Marketing Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • If everyone has the exact same perspective and skill set, it will be harder to divide the work because everyone will want to do the same things. For instance, let's say you're working on a project to design a brochure. If everyone on your team enjoys graphic design, you'll all want to create the brochure, instead of tasks like conducting research on your topic.
    • Additionally, your group won't be as innovative in your ideas because you won't be coming at the topic from different perspectives. For example, team members from different socioeconomic backgrounds might have experienced a community issue in a different way, giving them a different perspective on it.
  2. Compare skills sets with your teammates if your team is already chosen. Talk to your teammates to find out their background, strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Determine what you each bring to the table. Try to find ways you can complement each other's skills so your team can work well together.
    Resign Gracefully Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • If you're the team leader, you might host a planning meeting and invite everyone to share their skills. If you're not in a leadership position, talk to people one-on-one. Look for ways that you can bring something new to the team.
    • For example, let's say you find out your teammates are strong in skills like networking with clients, statistics, and design. Although you might also be strong in networking and design, you could offer to use your writing skills to complement the skills of your teammates.
  3. Include input from all team members so everyone is heard. A team can only thrive if everyone feels valued and heard. Not all ideas are winners, but the group must still listen to them and consider if they're a good idea for this project. Make it a priority to collaborate as much as possible.[10]
    Succeed in Network Marketing Step 10 Version 3.jpg
    • If team members start to feel as though their ideas don't matter, they'll stop being an active part of the team. This will hurt your overall output as you're losing valuable ideas and expertise.
    • For example, you might host round table meetings to encourage participation.
    • If you feel like people on your team aren't listening to you, talk to your team lead about it. Say, "At the past three meetings, I've tried to offer input on the project, but I keep getting interrupted. Do you think we can try a round table approach so we can also share our ideas?"
  4. Participate in goal setting as a team so you have a plan. It's important that all team members are working on the same goals, rather than each person pursuing personal aspirations. Discuss your goals as a team and adopt the goals that everyone agrees on. Moving forward, you can change or adapt your goals as needed, as long as everyone provides input.[11]
    Accept Change Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • Be as active in the goal setting process as possible. If your team leadership already set goals for your group, you might not get a voice in the process.
    • For example, your team might start out with 3 goals: "1) Design a survey to gather public input about our park project; 2) Distribute the survey to residents; and 3) Evaluate the survey results to determine how to proceed with phase 2 of our planning project."
  5. Clarify the team expectations so everyone is on the same page. This can include explaining the expectations or asking questions if you find them unclear. It's likely that each teammate has a different idea about what's expected of them, as well as what everyone else needs to be doing. It's essential that the team discuss these expectations and agree on one universal list of expectations that everyone will follow.[12]
    Learn a Language Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • If you're not a leader on your team, you may not be setting expectations. However, it is important that you understand them, so ask questions if you're confused.
    • Write down the expectations and make sure everyone on the team has a copy. For example, you might email the copy to everyone or post it in a communal Google Drive folder.
    • Examples of expectations might be "everyone completes their work on time," "check team communications daily," "upload all work to the communal folder," etc.
  6. Participate in brainstorming sessions to encourage collaboration. When you can, meet in person so you can have a free exchange of ideas. If this isn't possible, schedule a group phone call or digital conference through service providers like Google or Skype.[13]
    Get a Court Order Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • Teams are most effective when they collaborate, so brainstorming sessions are a great tool for good teamwork.
    • Make sure each teammate is taking notes during the meeting so that you can all recall your ideas later.
  7. Establish a universal means of communicating with the team. Choose one method of communication. Make sure all team members have access to the means of communication so everyone is on the same page. Otherwise, your group may not work effectively, as some group members may be unaware of what's happening.[14]
    Write a Letter of Intent Step 9 Version 6.jpg
    • For example, all group members might participate on a group text message or email.
    • If you have no control over how communication is handled, that's okay! Follow along with the guidelines set up by your group leader.
  8. Focus on the success of the group, not your personal success. When you're on a team, everyone's success depends on each member working toward a common goal. If you're thinking about your own glory, you'll be undermining the team. Keep your focus on your team's success, and your own success will follow.[15]
    Make ADHD‐Friendly Career Choices Step 20.jpg
    • It's helpful to remember that a team failure will reflect badly on you. Don't let your personal aspirations get in the way of your team's success.
    • Let's say your personal goal is to make it onto the management team. Rather than trying to impress your supervisor with your managerial skills, work with your teammates to accomplish your shared goals. Do your best to support the team, which shows you're an asset to the company. Then, you can volunteer for side projects that will help show your full range of skills.

EditResolving Team Conflicts

  1. Discuss the issue in person with your teammates. Talking things out in person will allow a free-flow of information and prevent misunderstandings, which might occur if you bring up the issue in an email. State the issue you're having, then listen to what everyone has to say.[16]
    • If you're concerned about having a record of the conversation, you can record it using your phone or a voice recorder.
    • If you aren't the group leader, you may prefer to talk to your group leader before talking to the group as a whole. This may be helpful if you'd rather the leader bring up the issue.
  2. Direct your concern toward the problem, not your teammates. Don't accuse or blame anyone on your team for causing the conflict, even if you believe they did. Instead, keep all of your comments and arguments focused on the issue and how your team can solve it.[17]
    Be Mature Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • If you feel attacked by the other person, don't respond with your own attack. Say something like, "I'm sorry you feel that way, but blaming each other won't help us solve the conflict. I'd like to stay focused on solutions." This way, you show that you're a professional and care more about the project than your ego.
    • You may not have much control about how the conflict is handled. However, you can control what you say and how you react. Keep your words and actions professional.
  3. Give everyone a chance to share their opinion if you're a leader. Even if you think you're right, it's still important to hear everyone out. Otherwise, your conflict will continue even after you've solved this issue, as you'll create resentments on the team.[18]
    Become a Senator Step 5 Version 3.jpg
    • For instance, you might host a round-table to allow everyone a chance to speak. Don't respond to each other until everyone has shared their opinion.
  4. Listen to each side of the conflict. Focus on what the other person is saying, not what you will say in response. You may even take notes about what they say. Once they're finished speaking, repeat what they said back to them to make sure you really understand what they're saying.
    Become a Certified Life Coach Step 4.jpg
    • In most cases, conflict on a team happens because people have different perspectives and backgrounds. This is actually a good thing! Understanding everyone's opinion and why they feel that way will help you create a better solution to the problem, which eventually helps your team produce better work.[19]
    • You might paraphrase their words by saying, "It sounds like you think your part of the workload is too heavy and that the rest of us need to do more."
  5. Use conflict to generate new ideas whenever possible. When group members start to disagree, look for opportunities to get creative or go in a different direction. Let conflict be a trigger for brainstorming sessions, with the goal of choosing the best ideas. Make a habit of saving unused ideas or information for use in the future.[20]
    Develop Critical Thinking Skills Step 4 Version 6.jpg
    • Assume that there's no one way to do something, even if you feel like your ideas are the best.
    • Keep notes about what comes out during your brainstorming sessions so you can refer back to those ideas later. This will help your team resolve conflicts more easily because people know that their ideas are being valued and may be used in the future.
  6. Create a compromise so that everyone feels included. You likely won't win when there's a conflict in your group, and that's okay. Whenever possible, teammates should give and take so that everyone gets to direct the group's efforts. Be open to a compromise that works best for everyone.[21]
    Run for President of the United States Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • If you can't compromise due to constraints, offer the team members who aren't getting what they want something else they want. This way they'll still feel included on the decision.
    • For instance, let's say 2 team members aren't happy with their job assignments, but it's too close to the deadline to switch roles. Your compromise might be phrased like this, "Although we can't change the roles for this project, Maria and James are going to take the design lead on the upcoming project."

EditTips

  • Be social with your teammates, if you can. Spending time together in a fun environment can help you grow together outside the stress of work or school.[22]
  • Try to build a diverse team. Having many different perspectives will strengthen your group because it leads to more ideas and better outcomes.

EditSources and Citations


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