What do you do if conflicts on your construction site are getting out of hand?

Conflicts on a construction site can escalate quickly, impacting productivity, safety, and morale. As someone involved in construction management, it's crucial to address disputes before they spiral out of control. Effective conflict resolution is a skill that can save time, resources, and maintain a harmonious work environment. Whether you're a project manager, site supervisor, or team leader, understanding how to de-escalate tensions and foster cooperation is essential.

1 Assess Situation

Before diving into conflict resolution, take a step back to assess the situation thoroughly. Understanding the root cause of a conflict is vital to resolving it effectively. Listen to all parties involved without bias and gather as much information as possible. This will not only help you to comprehend the issues at hand but also demonstrate to your team that you are taking their concerns seriously. Remember, a calm and measured approach is key when dealing with heated emotions on the construction site.

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‘Lade Ogunlaja

Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction UK 2024 | UN Women UK CSW68 Delegate | Project Manager | LB WiC Ambassador | Girls Under Construction Ambassador | Passionate Advocate for Alternative & Modular Housing
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Investigate the root causes and severity of conflicts, considering perspectives of all involved parties and evaluating potential risks to project progress and safety.

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Sheba Ndagire

Environmental and Social Development Specialist
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First you would need to get the context of the conflict and also understand the root cause of the conflict as well as driving factors. Identification of the stakeholders involved, their interests and or influence on the matter can also help with planning dialogue or solutions to pacify the situation.

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2 Open Dialogue

Once you have a grasp of the conflict's origins, initiate an open dialogue among the parties involved. Encourage honest and respectful communication, where each person has an opportunity to express their viewpoint without interruption. This can help in identifying misunderstandings and finding common ground. It's important to facilitate this discussion in a neutral space where all participants feel safe to speak freely. Your role is to guide the conversation constructively and ensure it remains focused on resolving the issue.

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3 Set Guidelines

To prevent discussions from becoming counterproductive, establish clear guidelines for communication. These should include respecting speaking turns, not raising voices, and focusing on the problem, not the person. By setting these ground rules, you create an environment where constructive dialogue can flourish. It's also helpful to remind everyone that the goal is to find a solution that benefits the entire project, not to win an argument.

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‘Lade Ogunlaja

Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction UK 2024 | UN Women UK CSW68 Delegate | Project Manager | LB WiC Ambassador | Girls Under Construction Ambassador | Passionate Advocate for Alternative & Modular Housing
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Establish clear communication channels, conflict resolution protocols, and behavioral expectations, ensuring everyone understands their roles in maintaining a harmonious work environment.

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4 Explore Solutions

With all perspectives on the table and communication guidelines in place, explore potential solutions together. Encourage collaborative problem-solving by asking open-ended questions and considering various options. It's crucial that everyone involved has a say in the resolution process as this fosters buy-in and commitment to the agreed-upon solution. Remember that compromise may be necessary, and the best solution is often one that all parties can live with, even if it's not their first choice.

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Meredith Bousman

Passionate learner and leader, innovative problem solver, and daring to live an authentic life
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Sometimes the best solution is to assign the 2 in conflict to work in separate spaces on the project. Don't, for example, put them on a swing stage together.

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5 Implement Changes

After reaching a consensus, take decisive action to implement the agreed-upon changes. This might involve adjusting schedules, reassigning tasks, or modifying procedures. It's important to follow through promptly to show that you are taking the resolution seriously and to prevent the conflict from reigniting. Keep lines of communication open as changes are made, and be prepared to make further adjustments if necessary to ensure a lasting resolution.

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‘Lade Ogunlaja

Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction UK 2024 | UN Women UK CSW68 Delegate | Project Manager | LB WiC Ambassador | Girls Under Construction Ambassador | Passionate Advocate for Alternative & Modular Housing
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Introduce mediation, training programs, or personnel adjustments as necessary to address underlying issues and promote a culture of respect and collaboration, mitigating conflict escalation and fostering productivity.

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6 Monitor Progress

Finally, closely monitor the situation following the implementation of changes to ensure that the conflict does not re-emerge. Check in with the involved parties to gauge how the resolution is holding up and whether any further adjustments are needed. Continuous monitoring not only helps in maintaining peace on the construction site but also improves your skills in conflict management for future situations. Remember, resolving conflicts is an ongoing process that requires attention and care.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Federico M De La Garza

Arquitecto | Gestión de Proyectos | En constante Formación
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En la construcción como en cualquier proyecto, no es necesario que todos sean amigos, de hecho, puede ser contraproducente. Lo importante es que todos los involucrados se sientan parte del equipo y sean capaces de comunicarse y colaborar efectivamente entre sí, cada individuo tiene necesidades particulares que, al ser atendidas motivan e impulsan el trabajo.

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What do you do if conflicts on your construction site are getting out of hand?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Situation

2 Open Dialogue

3 Set Guidelines

4 Explore Solutions

5 Implement Changes

6 Monitor Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Construction Management

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What do you do if conflicts on your construction site are getting out of hand?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Situation

2 Open Dialogue

3 Set Guidelines

4 Explore Solutions

5 Implement Changes

6 Monitor Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Construction Management

Rate this article

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