The PM should try and resolve issues within the project and team, but sometimes a facilitator is needed when the PM can't resolve the matter. Saving Changes...
Enrique CavalittoRetired| RetiredLa Plata Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
I agree with Sante's approach. You should primarily manage all team issues (including conflicts) within the team, but you should use your judgement to decide when to ask for help from other areas of the organization, including HR.
Of course, the team should be aware that this escalation is among the possible outcomes of a conflict, so it does not come as a surprise to them when it happens. Besides, it could be a good incentive for team members to find an internal solution before it happens. Saving Changes...
HR is an integral part of any team. They are our partners and it would be better to not view them as "an escalation only" mechanism.
Its OK to discuss with HR for their opinions about the conflict or even resolutions to the conflict. HR Department is an organizational asset too. Saving Changes...
I will involve HR only when need it. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Absolutely. Sometimes conflicts don't reside or cannot be resolved at a team level. There's a point when formal discussions are required. There is a reason organizations have a separate HR. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
The PM should try and resolve conflicts and another other issues to the best of his abilities and capabilities. However, sometimes, he will require assistance or the intervention of other team members like the HR. Saving Changes...
It has to do with the circumstance and the problem. The position of the project and project manager within the organization and so on. However, you always can consult with experts and HR to resolve the issues. Saving Changes...
A lot depends on the organization's HR policies and the roles & accountabilities of PMs vs. people managers. In some cases, the PM might have full authority (e.g. in a project-oriented organization), in others they would partner with people managers to work through challenges (e.g. coaching) and in other situations they might have to involve HR directly (e.g. if there was a safety violation).
When the project is large enough, it might make sense to have someone from HR on the project team, especially if there are a lot of new people on the project. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Maybe we should define the 'conflict' in conflict resolution. I was thinking along the lines of serious conflicts, where regardless of the organization type or leadership abilities of the project manager, the responsible direction is to include HR. Saving Changes...
Michael DelaneyPartner| Delaney Management LLCWest Chester, Pa, United States
I would consider HR as a resource and would be appropriate at times. I have had project issues which we tried resolving internally but later found that the issue actually resided beyond the project. in these cases we should have been working with HR and would have had better resolution. Saving Changes...
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