Successful Project Managers understands that Conflict Management is inevitable and they can harvest the pros of Conflict by limiting the negative aspects of conflict while increasing its positive aspects.
Like in any group, disagreements and tensions can arise among team members or with stakeholders. Dealing with these conflicts effectively is vital for the project's success, and properly managed conflict can improve group outcomes.
The cost of conflict is adding up for organizations, it is estimated that workplace conflicts cost companies billions of dollars each year.
Here's how people typically handle conflicts in Project Management:
1. Avoidance: Sometimes, it's better to ignore minor issues if they won't impact the project much or if dealing with them would cause more trouble. But remember, leaving conflicts unaddressed for too long isn't a good strategy.
2. Smoothing: it is like saying, "Let's focus on the area of agreement." It keeps things going while working on the bigger issues.
3. Compromise: meeting in the middle, each side give up a bit to reach an agreement. It's a fair way to solve conflicts but might not lead to the best solution for anyone, and in most cases will not achieve stakeholders’ satisfaction.
4. Forcing: “my way or the highway” in some cases, a project manager has to make the final call and enforce it, even if not everyone likes it. Usually a win/lose situation.
5. Collaboration: it is all about teamwork. When there's a disagreement, team members work together to find a solution that works for everyone. It's a cooperative attitudes and open dialogue; achieving the optimum stakeholders satisfaction.
Other conflict Resolution approaches may include:
1. Confrontation: Sometimes, you need to tackle a problem head-on. Confrontation is like sitting down with the people involved, talking it out, and finding a way forward. It can be intense but effective when necessary.
2. Negotiation: it is like a structured discussion where everyone involved tries to find a solution that works for everyone. It's helpful for complex issues or when many people are involved.
3. Mediation: Mediation brings in a neutral third party to help people find common ground. It's like having a wise friend step in to help settle a disagreement.
4. Arbitration: similar to taking a dispute to a judge. An impartial person hears both sides and makes a final decision. It's often used when there's a formal agreement in place.
Project Managers need to resolve conflicts in a timely manner and in a constructive way, using various approaches achieving the best value, keeping the project on track and the team working well together. The choice of approach depends on the situation, the people involved, and Project Manager experience utilizing Power Skills.
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