A continuación, te explicamos cómo puedes navegar por los conflictos que afectan a los plazos de los proyectos como gestor de programas.

In a project I managed, a clash between the development and product teams over an issue seemed like a simple conflict. However, by digging deeper, I discovered the real issue was unclear project requirements, which left the technical team unable to commit. Once we addressed these root causes through better communication and alignment, the conflict was resolved, and collaboration improved.

Navigating conflicts requires a strategic and proactive approach. Start by understanding the underlying issues causing the conflict. This could involve delays in resource allocation, miscommunication among team members, or changes in project scope. Assess how the conflict affects the project timeline and identify which deliverables are most at risk. Adjust timelines by reallocating resources or shifting less critical tasks to a later stage. Communicate these changes to all stakeholders. Prioritize open communication where everyone's point of view can be heard. Document the conflict, the resolution process, and the final outcomes. This can provide valuable lessons for managing future conflicts.

Paired with active listening, non-violent communication is essential in managing conflict. Encouraging your team to build a narrative around the facts of the conflict, while avoiding judgments or labels on people's behaviour, can facilitate constructive dialogue and help identify the root cause of the problem. A simple approach is to focus on describing actions (verbs) and minimize the use of value-laden adjectives.

In my experience, creating an open dialogue is a game-changer when it comes to resolving conflicts within a team. I’ve found that when team members are encouraged to voice their concerns openly and are genuinely listened to, it fosters a sense of respect. This kind of environment not only brings different perspectives to light but also shows people that their opinions matter, which is great and empowering for sure.

Having an avenue for open conversation from all team members is critical to success of programs. Everyone should be allowed to voice concerns without judgment. Consider also having systems in place for anonymous feedback from team members, especially for larger teams. This will make even junior or new team members feel more comfortable voicing concerns to upper leadership.

Maintaining the objectives of the project front and center is essential for program managers, particularly in the event of disagreements. Reminding the team of our shared goals will help to refocus the attention from personal issues toward the whole picture. This viewpoint change usually helps to reduce conflicts since it emphasizes that everyone of us is on the same side and aims for common success.

Clearly stating the direction forward is crucial so that every team member knows the resolution and their part in bringing it about. This could require modifying project schedules and plans to reflect the necessary adjustments meant to settle the issue. Ensuring everyone is on the same page and understands what is expected of them can help you to gently go from disagreement to action, consequently maintaining the momentum of the project.

To ensure a dispute resolution is working and prevent recurrence, it's necessary to monitor the situation. This could involve regular team check-ins or project management changes to reduce future disagreements. Continuous monitoring lets you detect residual issues early on and fix them before they delay or interrupt the project. This proactive strategy keeps the resolution and team on track.

In addition to adapting strategies, flexibility means proactively preparing for potential conflicts by building buffer or slack time into your project timelines. This allows for unexpected delays without compromising the overall delivery date. Encourage open communication within the team to surface conflicts early and pivot as needed, whether that involves reallocating resources, adjusting priorities, or revising deliverables. By fostering a culture of agility, you empower your team to remain focused on the project’s end goals, even when disruptions occur. Flexibility also involves being open to alternative solutions proposed by team members, which can lead to innovative approaches that resolve conflicts more effectively.