Project Management Software

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

Article by Remedysoft, Inc.
All Rights Reserved