How to Avoid One Source of Project Team Conflict

There are many potential causes of conflict among project team members.

But here is one that is relatively common and easy to avoid…the misunderstanding that arises when you assign a task to one project team member that another team member thought they could handle (and wanted to handle) on their own.

You recognize the situation: Chris had always thought of himself as outgoing and especially good at establishing trust with internal and external customers. The task at hand was to reach out to a potential new executive project stakeholder whose style was open and friendly. Chris was ready to take it on but then you assigned the job to Mary. Unhappy, disgruntled, overlooked Chris.

Here are two ways you can avoid this upset.

1. First be clear why you chose Mary. You think her style will blend well with the customer’s and, besides, you know that Mary’s special knowledge of certain technologies and aspects of the project is just what the important stakeholder wants and needs at this stage of the project.
   
   
2. Second, invite team members to question your assignment. You can explain your rationale in more detail…perhaps Mary needs the experience or perhaps you have another plum assignment in mind for Chris. Be willing to change your mind and to test your assumptions.

With such explanations and transparency, the conflict is defused and trust should increase.