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Effective Project Management: Mediating Disputes Between Team Members
It
would be nice if everyone on a project could just get along. However,
that is rarely the case. In almost every project team there are people
who just do not get along. An effective project manager knows how to
help mediate disputes and get his or her team members working together
in a professional manner. It may not be possible to actually get the
opposing parties to like each other, but it is possible to help them
understand the importance of setting aside differences in order to
complete the project. Encouraging a professional environment is key.
Set the example.
One of the best things a project manager can do is set an example of
professionalism for the project team. The manager should not engage in
back biting or gossip, nor should she or he criticize team members in
front of others. Unless more than two parties are involved (or if the
entire team is experiencing a complete meltdown) there is no real need
to involve more than just those immediately involved.
Set ground rules.
Just as there are ground rules for what needs to be done in the
project, and who needs to do it, a conflict resolution for team members
should also have ground rules. Rules such as not making personal
remarks, using “I” language to describe feelings and issues, and
agreeing to approach the session with polite openness are some rules
that can keep the atmosphere of the situation a little more manageable
and less heated.
Make sure team members feel they can come to you with problems.
At the outset of a project work with the team to set up a conflict
resolution model. Let them know that they are more than welcome to
settle disputes among themselves, but that you are willing, as project
manager, to act as a facilitator for the process. Additionally,
cultivate an open environment that allows for the open discussion of
ideas (not people) and make sure everyone understands the importance of
maintaining professional and polite communication.
Provide a third party facilitator if necessary.
If project management feels to close to the dispute (or actually
involved), or is afraid of appearing to take sides, an outside
facilitator should be brought in to help solve the conflict. There are
many professionals who are certified mediators and who are skilled in
resolving disputes in the work place. It is also possible to hold a
workshop to help team members learn appropriate conflict resolution
behaviors.
It is of benefit for a project
manager to take a class or seminar in conflict mediation, just to get
practice and knowledge of various techniques. There is even project
management software designed to teach courses to project management to
help them better understand human dynamics and interactions. However,
if you set a tone of openness and politeness, and insist upon
professional behavior, encouraging disputing parties to come to you in
private so as not to distract the rest of the team, you can ensure that
conflicts are solved before they cause serious performance problems.
Article by Remedysoft, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
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Smooth Projects... Effective Project Management!
Project Management Software Articles
Project Management Software
Getting the Idea Across: Project Communication Management
Managing time and costs of a project are two very important duties of any project manager. Often, the team leader has project management software to help him or her effectively control these elements of the project. Additionally, it is easy to track time and cost. But another important aspect of project management is communications. Without effective communication, the project falls to pieces. Communication is essential between team members, with contractors and vendors, and with the project manager’s supervisors. These three important groups of players affect the overall effectiveness of the project. It is the job of the project manager to make sure that everyone who needs information receives it in a timely manner.
Communication between group members. Successful project management depends upon an open communication environment amongst the project’s team members. This does not mean an open environment where people can publicly voice problems with other members. What an open environment in this sense means is that members should feel comfortable asking questions as needed, and that the project manager openly and clearly lets each member know what is expected of her or him.
Additionally, it implies team members who need to privately mediate any problems they might have with each other can approach the project manager for help. The team leader should set an example to the team members of abstaining from gossip and back biting and behaving in a professional manner. He or she should also set the example of giving clear directions and praising a job well done. When team members know what they must do, and receive praise for accomplishing it in a timely manner, they are more satisfied and able to better complete assigned tasks.
Communication with contractors and vendors. If your project requires that you find contractors or vendors outside your company, open and clear communication is vital to the proper accomplishment of your project objectives. Contractors and vendors need to know what you expect, as well as when you expect it. The project manager should try to be as explicit as possible when explaining her or his needs. Additionally, the project manager should encourage contractors and vendors to ask questions as they arise, and be available for consultation if necessary. A written contract is very important when dealing with project contributors outside the company. It should be thoroughly discussed so that all parties involved understand the terms.
Communication with supervisors. The project manager is responsible for keeping his or her superiors apprised of what is happening. Not every project requires constant updating to a boss, but a project manager should be prepared with weekly or biweekly briefings so that her or his supervisors can see the progress, and know that you have everything well in hand. While project management software may not necessarily help you communicate, the information you can receive from it can help you present your progress. There is no need for a lengthy discourse; a simple statement of which phase you are at and whether not you are on schedule and within budget will suffice.
By keeping everyone who needs information in the loop, the project manager can more effectively order operations, and keep her or his superiors satisfied.
Article by Remedysoft, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
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