DAVIS Ombuds Tip #2
When Collaboration Gets Stuck:
Try GRPI
When a team or working relationship becomes frustrating, it can be easy to conclude that the problem is another person's style, attitude, or behavior. Sometimes that may be part of the issue. But often, the source of the difficulty is somewhere else.
Before assuming the problem is the people, take a closer look at how the collaboration is structured.
The GRPI model offers a simple way to do that. It asks us to look at four parts of a collaboration: Goals, Roles, Processes, and Interpersonal dynamics.
If you are starting a new project or trying to get an existing collaboration back on track, these four areas can help identify where you might be stuck and need further conversation.
Goals
What are we trying to achieve?
- Do we agree on the purpose and desired outcome?
- Does everyone understand what success looks like?
- Are our individual priorities aligned with the larger goal?
Roles
Who is doing what?
- Are responsibilities clear?
- Who has authority to make which decisions?
- Do team members understand one another's roles?
Processes
How are we getting the work done?
- How and how often are we communicating?
- How are decisions and information being shared?
- What happens when something unexpected comes up?
Interpersonal
How are we engaging with one another?
- How do we handle disagreement?
- How open can we be with one another?
- Is there enough trust to raise concerns or acknowledge mistakes?
Start at the top
When tension appears interpersonal, it can be tempting to begin there: "Why can't we work together?"
GRPI encourages a different first question: "Are we actually aligned on the work?"
A disagreement that looks personal may really reflect different goals, unclear responsibilities, or a process that was never fully discussed. Clarifying those issues may make the interpersonal tension easier to address.
Try this when a collaboration feels stuck
- Goals: Are we trying to accomplish the same thing?
- Roles: Is it clear who is responsible for what?
- Processes: Have we agreed on how we will work together?
- Interpersonal: How are we communicating and handling differences?
You do not need to solve every issue at once. Sometimes identifying where the disconnect is occurring is enough to make the next conversation more productive.
GRPI is a framework for examining Goals, Roles, Processes, and Interpersonal dynamics in teams and collaborations.
Need a sounding board?
Workplace situations are not always straightforward. Sometimes it helps to talk through what is happening, consider different perspectives, and explore your options before deciding what to do next.
Your DAVIS Ombuds Team is available as a confidential, informal, impartial, and independent resource. Nnena and Josh can help you think through a situation, explore options, or prepare for a conversation.
