How to Deal With Conflicts during a Project?

Conflicts occur daily in our lives. Some can vary from a minor disagreement between individuals or groups to a major extreme situation with life-threatening elements. Being a project manager or team leader these conflicts are especially rampant and relevant in the project environment. Conflict Management is the practice of recognizing and dealing with disputes in a rational, balanced and effective way. Conflict management implemented within a business environment usually involves effective communication, problem resolving abilities and good negotiating skills to restore the focus to the company’s overall goals. Here are some ways to successfully deal with conflicts during project execution.

Confronting:

This is also described as problem-solving, integrating, collaborating or win-win style. It involves the conflicting parties meeting face-to-face and collaborating to reach an agreement that satisfies the concerns of both parties. This style involves open and direct communication which should lead the way to solve the problem.

Compromising:

Conflicting parties bargain to reach a mutually acceptable solution. Both parties give up something in order to reach a decision and leave with some degree of satisfaction. Compromising should be used when both parties need to win, you are in a deadlock and time is not sufficient.

Use power:

Power is a way to solve conflict! However, this approach is best used sparingly or in situations where there are very high risks or dangers, such as staff safety. It begins with simply issuing a command to solve the conflict and rests on the authority and confidence you wield in your position.

Use a mediator:

Some conflicts are simply overwhelming. If your conflict involves a large contract that is not fulfilled, you might have to call in outside help. That could take the form of a lawyer or a mediator. Once again, keep in mind that you want to manage your resources wisely. If a lawyer can solve your conflict with an hour or two of work, that may be the smartest way to go.

Call a meeting:

With the right preparation and ground rules, meetings are an effective way to solve project conflict. You can ask each party to present their side or make a short presentation. The formal structure of a meeting helps people structure their thoughts. By getting everyone in the same room you have a better chance of coming to a resolution sooner than later.