Conflict Management and Leadership: Keeping Project Goals in Focus While Providing Challenged Solutions
Most of us have encountered a similar scenario. The project is progressing brilliantly, and the team is on course, fully engaged and excited about the work and its progression. Team meetings are proceeding as planned and have been effective and excellent resources for project updates, resolution, sharing and team building.
Recently, there has been a spirited debate about the implementation of a key component of the new infrastructure. Although the engineering is unchanged, there have been multiple discussions about the installation/implementation period, sequence, staging and resource allocations, due to a previously identified accepted risk event.
As project construction managers, we work with stakeholders, and oftentimes ancillary trade contractors to provide effective staging, installation, inspections, and signoff protocols that optimize space, time, and resources.
As time progresses, the risk event becomes realized upon which a few excellent approaches have already been provided. The project managers overseeing those solutions have been tasked by the senior project manager with providing an evaluated suggested decision in proceeding.
Developing and Utilizing Conflict Management Leadership Skills can go far in keeping the client and project goals in focus While Providing Challenged Solutions.
A suggested approach is addressing the task head-on while keeping the overall issue in focus. Reiteration of this approach can be a useful nudge and keep contributors on task. Some additional tips might could include:
Present each position with a detailed evaluation of why the solution presented is in alignment. Detail the process, steps, resources, and procedures needed to accomplish it and be prepared to provide tangible data if applicable and potentially impactful scenarios that might occur. Highlight the benefits of the chosen solution.
Be realistic and upfront about the pros and cons of each and any impending concerns.
As an added benefit, the ability to work with and develop dependable professional relationships can be a bonus and strongly enhance a shared knowledge base. Whichever solution is chosen, be supportive in its implementation and follow through. Stay aware of any identified issues that might occur and keep a solutions-based mindset. Create and foster a win-win attitude.
Doing your due diligence in keeping the project goals progressively moving forward will provide added value to the organization, build leadership skills and support team building. NFB
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