Handling Team Conflicts

When two or more persons work together in a project for a common goal, conflicts may occur. What we mean by conflict in nothing else but the disagreement that broken our between in their views, thoughts and opinions. Conflicts are natural. But at any time, it should not disrupt the mutual relationship nor affect the functionality of the entity be it in personal or professional life.

Dealing with conflicts at work:

Conflicts are unavoidable but a solution is essential to give mutual benefits for both employees and organization to complete eh project.

Let’s have a look at few tips; essential for a project manager to handle the conflicts within team:

1. Analyse the source/reason of conflict. As project manager, you should have a complete understanding about the root course of the problem.
2. Emphasize the need to solve the conflict. Define the solution, what do you have to achieve at the end of the conflict, it course and consequences.
3. Identify the level, when the conflict is constructive and beyond which it becomes destructive for the team. 
4. Organize indisputable discussion among the team members to explore about the topic and their opinions. This will enable the mutual sharing of information and a clarity of thought within team.
5. Communication during the discussion should be democratic, but manager should follow autocratic style of communication when needed.
6. There should be active participation among the members.
7. During the discussion time, complete focus should be on the topic and no deviation should be entertained by project manager
8. Control the emotions and showing of professionalism becomes key points for a project manager, in solving the solutions of conflicts
9. Note down the key points of discussion and prioritize it for solving the conflicts
10. Arrive on a solution which is supported by members

A Project Manager holds the responsibility, in finding a right way to solve the conflict with its team.

Preventing Conflict

As well as being able to handle conflict when it arises, teams need to develop ways of preventing conflict from becoming damaging. Team members can learn skills and behaviour to help this. Here are some of the key ones to work on:

1. Dealing with conflict immediately – avoid the temptation to ignore it.
2. Being open – if people have issues, they need to be expressed immediately and not allowed to fester.
3. Practising clear communication – articulate thoughts and ideas clearly.
4. Practising active listening – paraphrasing, clarifying, questioning.
5. Practising identifying assumptions – asking yourself "why" on a regular basis.
6. Not letting conflict get personal – stick to facts and issues, not personalities.
7. Focusing on actionable solutions – don't belabour what can't be changed.
8. Encouraging different points of view – insist on honest dialogue and expressing feelings.
9. Not looking for blame – encourage ownership of the problem and solution.
10. Demonstrating respect – if the situation escalates takes a break and waits for emotions to subside.
11. Keeping team issues within the team – talking outside allows conflict to build and fester, without being dealt with directly.