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.
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
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1 reply by Br. Ts. PUI CHEE KHIAN
Oct 22, 2017 12:24 PM
Br. Ts. PUI CHEE KHIAN
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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.
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.
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1 reply by Br. Ts. PUI CHEE KHIAN
Oct 22, 2017 12:27 PM
Br. Ts. PUI CHEE KHIAN
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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.
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Drake SettsuProject Manager / BloggerHi, United States
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.
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.
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1 reply by Br. Ts. PUI CHEE KHIAN
Oct 22, 2017 12:32 PM
Br. Ts. PUI CHEE KHIAN
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Agreed with your point Monika. Following up on the progress of conflict resolution is important to cease undesired manipulation to grow.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Conflicts are inevitable in projects and I personally use my experience to resolve any conflict.
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1 reply by Br. Ts. PUI CHEE KHIAN
Oct 22, 2017 12:36 PM
Br. Ts. PUI CHEE KHIAN
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Thanks Rami Kaibni. Most conflicts are originated from people & communication skills. That is my experience.
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Anonymous
Chee Khian
As many said - the PMBOK Guide is only a reference. Further, it is not inclusive of numerous topics, there are gaps, and there are inconsistencies. Also, we must remember, that the guide focuses on the processes for managing a stage and is not a methodology.
One final comment - the guide covers good practices - not best or leading practices. So use it with caution and do not limit your practice to the guide Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Chee Khian
As many said - the PMBOK Guide is only a reference. Further, it is not inclusive of numerous topics, there are gaps, and there are inconsistencies. Also, we must remember, that the guide focuses on the processes for managing a stage and is not a methodology.
One final comment - the guide covers good practices - not best or leading practices. So use it with caution and do not limit your practice to the guide
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1 reply by Br. Ts. PUI CHEE KHIAN
Oct 22, 2017 12:43 PM
Br. Ts. PUI CHEE KHIAN
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Thank you so much Mounir Ajam. Conflict resolution study & knowledge is something beyond formal guideline.
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Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
PMBOK is a reference guide. It can provide a direction or idea. That in combination with experience will help with resolving conflicts.
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1 reply by Br. Ts. PUI CHEE KHIAN
Oct 22, 2017 12:44 PM
Br. Ts. PUI CHEE KHIAN
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Thanks Andrew. Noted your advice.
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Brenda PhillipsProject Manager| VerizonSanford, Fl, United States
My personal approach that has served me well is one of calm objectivity. Typically, conflict involves emotion. So, I engage to focus on the facts and data. I think it's important to first de-escalate when emotions are high, so parties can focus on the mutual objectives.
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1 reply by Br. Ts. PUI CHEE KHIAN
Oct 22, 2017 12:47 PM
Br. Ts. PUI CHEE KHIAN
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Hi Brenda, I agreed with your opinion that EQ should be ingrained as key consideration to optimise a better conflict resolution outcome. Thank you so much for the advice.
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