Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

Team members are clashing on separate projects. How can you resolve their conflicts effectively?

When team members clash on separate projects, it can lead to a tense atmosphere and decreased productivity. As a project leader, you're tasked with resolving conflicts effectively to maintain harmony and keep the projects on track. Understanding the root causes of these disputes and addressing them with empathy and strategic thinking is key to fostering a collaborative environment. Let's explore how you can navigate these choppy waters and steer your team toward calmer seas.

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1 Identify Issues

To resolve conflicts, you first need to identify the underlying issues. Listen to each team member's perspective to understand the source of the clash. It could be a personal disagreement, a misunderstanding about project goals, or competition for resources. Ensure that you approach this step with an open mind and a willingness to hear all sides without judgment. Remember, the goal is to find a solution that benefits the project and the team, not to place blame.

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John Link

Consultant in Organizational Dynamics, Strategy and Strategic Communications
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One of the keys to identifying issues is to make sure that each party is basing their position and the conflict on shared facts. Goals can be misinterpreted, and competition for resources may exacerbated by not having correct targets, a clear understanding of shared resources, or accurate budgets. There may be inherent competition between projects, but not having the correct data can make the PM conflict worse and harder to resolve. Once everyone is on the same fact/data page solutions may be easier to develop. Now if the problem is personality-based, this requires setting and enforcing boundaries and behavioral norms.

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Pathan Irfan Khan

Project & Program Consultant || Perpetual Learner || Bibliophile
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- Conduct One-on-One Meetings: Speak individually with each team member involved in the conflict to understand their perspective and identify the root causes of the issue. - Listen Actively: Ensure you listen without interruption and show empathy. This helps build trust and makes team members feel heard and valued. - Gather Facts: Collect information from other team members or stakeholders to get a comprehensive view of the situation. Objective data helps in understanding the full context.

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2 Open Dialogue

Encourage open dialogue between the conflicting parties. Facilitate a meeting where each individual can express their concerns and perspectives in a controlled environment. As the mediator, it's your role to guide the conversation constructively, ensuring that it stays focused on finding a resolution rather than devolving into further conflict. This step is crucial for clearing up misunderstandings and enabling team members to see each other's viewpoints.

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Pathan Irfan Khan

Project & Program Consultant || Perpetual Learner || Bibliophile
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- Create a Safe Environment: Ensure that the setting for the discussion is neutral and free from interruptions. Everyone should feel safe to express their views without fear of judgment or repercussions. - Set Ground Rules: Establish basic rules for the conversation, such as listening without interrupting, respecting different perspectives, and staying focused on resolving the conflict. - Encourage Honest Communication: Encourage them to be specific about their concerns and the impact of the conflict on their work. - Facilitate Active Listening: Encourage participants to listen actively, which means fully concentrating, understanding, and responding thoughtfully. Summarize what’s been said to ensure understanding.

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3 Set Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries is essential for conflict resolution. Define acceptable behavior and make it known that personal attacks or unprofessional conduct will not be tolerated. Establishing these guidelines helps create a respectful environment where team members feel safe to voice their opinions. It also sets the stage for a more structured approach to resolving the issues at hand, with less chance for the conflict to escalate.

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Pathan Irfan Khan

Project & Program Consultant || Perpetual Learner || Bibliophile
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- Create a Conflict Resolution Pathway: Establish a clear process for addressing conflicts when they arise. Knowing there is a structured way to handle disputes can reduce anxiety and promote a more harmonious working environment. - Encourage Professional Behavior: Promote a culture of professionalism where personal attacks and unconstructive criticism are not tolerated. Ensure that all team interactions are respectful and focused on work-related issues.

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Pathan Irfan Khan

Project & Program Consultant || Perpetual Learner || Bibliophile
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- Create a Conflict Resolution Pathway: Establish a clear process for addressing conflicts when they arise. Knowing there is a structured way to handle disputes can reduce anxiety and promote a more harmonious working environment. - Encourage Professional Behavior: Promote a culture of professionalism where personal attacks and unconstructive criticism are not tolerated. Ensure that all team interactions are respectful and focused on work-related issues.

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4 Find Common Ground

Finding common ground is often the key to resolving team conflicts. Look for shared goals or interests that can act as a foundation for agreement. By reminding team members of their common objectives, you can shift the focus from individual differences to collective success. This approach encourages collaboration and can lead to innovative solutions that satisfy all parties involved.

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5 Implement Solutions

Once common ground has been established, work with your team to implement solutions that address the conflicts. This might involve redistributing resources, adjusting project timelines, or providing additional support where needed. Ensure that all solutions are agreed upon by those involved and that they align with the overall project goals. Taking decisive action shows your team that you are committed to resolving the issue and moving forward.

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6 Monitor Progress

After implementing solutions, it's important to monitor progress and ensure that the conflict doesn't resurface. Check in with your team regularly and make adjustments as necessary. This ongoing oversight demonstrates your dedication to maintaining a harmonious work environment and reinforces the importance of collaborative effort. By being proactive, you can prevent future conflicts and keep your team on a positive trajectory.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Team members are clashing on separate projects. How can you resolve their conflicts effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify Issues

2 Open Dialogue

3 Set Boundaries

4 Find Common Ground

5 Implement Solutions

6 Monitor Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Project Leadership

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Team members are clashing on separate projects. How can you resolve their conflicts effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify Issues

2 Open Dialogue

3 Set Boundaries

4 Find Common Ground

5 Implement Solutions

6 Monitor Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Project Leadership

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