Glad if one could share their real life experience which I believe conflict is inevitable in a project management. Within a project's environment, conflict may yield dysfunctional outcomes. In situation where a collaborative approach is not possible, PM must then revert to other active management styles for handling conflicts such assertiveness, accommodation, avoidance or compromise.
Which strategy you engage in conflict management at your workplace? Thank you for sharing.
DEBASISH MOHANTYPrincipal Advisor , Digital Transformation Consulting| iAssess Digital Technology Pvt. Ltd.Bangalore, Karnataka, India
PMBOK itself wrote " applicable to most projects, most of the time but in actuality of projects " Cost & Quality " often two driving factors that valued by Clients. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Maybe this should be another thread but since it is core in this discussion, we must really understand what is the PMBOK Guide and how can we use it as a reference.
For example,
When do we perform a WBS and do we have one WBS?
How about cost estimates - do we have one or more and when do we do them?
How about risk management - same as above
Since here we are talking about conflict - the PMBOK Guide has about one page on Conflict Management - is this enough reference to explain how we deal with conflict in various scenarios and types? Saving Changes...
As with all other PM practices, there is no single approach which is universally correct. While confronting or collaborating might be considered the preferred approaches to conflict resolution, there are times when forcing is required - for example, if there is an urgent legal or safety consideration.
The art of project management is to know which tool is the right tool to use in a given context and usually that wisdom is only gained through experience.
Kiron
Thank you Kiron for the valuable reply. Agreed with your point that wisdom is gained through experience. While conflict resolution technique could be hybrid in nature, the decision in point of time to resolve it with most applicable tools & techniques shall rest on the nature of issue & dynamic of project environment. Saving Changes...
Due to the simple fact that project deal with people, communication, different constraints, different expectations etc., conflicts are an inherent part of project management, cannot be avoided and have many positive aspects for the project progress.
One important aspect to deal with conflict situations is to establish a project culture that allows for a "safe project environment" where team members can talk openly and honestly. The majority of conflicts is on personal level due to wrong perceptions due to the fact our brain works, communication gaps, intercultural topics. From my point of view it is important to understand the different stages of a conflict and to have project processes in place to recognize and react at the earliest possible time in order to channel it into a positive resolution for the project.
Thank you Peter. Your points are just great. I am absolutely agreed with the point that most conflict lies on personal matter in a complex project environment. Saving Changes...
PMBOK is just a reference. Real life situations requires a savvy PM to take control of the situation. Express transparency and seek confessions to expose the situation. You need to always maintain your composure and be respectful to everyone. No finger pointing. You need to function as a team.
Thank you Drake Settsu for the advice. Saving Changes...
Yes, PMBOK is reference/ guide/methodology to help PMs. Over the years of project and program management, I find myself using similar techniques- sometime one, sometimes multiple, sometimes even switching between techniques to ensure appropriate outcome. However, the key is to remain subtle and smooth to coerce appropriate progress in conflict resolution, else the involved stakeholders may also manipulate their responses/reactions - and impact desired outcome.
Agreed with your point Monika. Following up on the progress of conflict resolution is important to cease undesired manipulation to grow. Saving Changes...
