As a Construction Manager facing conflict escalation, how can you effectively defuse tense situations?

It's important to always prioritize the goals and objectives of any project. In a situation, where there's an escalation of conflict between stakeholders on any project. As a project manager in order not to waste time further, the first step is to know the sources of the conflict in a tense situation. It is ideal to face the situation by first having the parties in a separate meeting time and gather information to work with, this will enable you to make a conclusion for the best way of resolution when the joint meeting is called to resolve the conflict. This process will enable you to minimize time in resolving the conflict.

Remain calm and composed, as your demeanor will influence others. Avoid raising your voice or showing frustration.Take a moment to collect your thoughts before responding to a heated situation. Show empathy by listening to all parties involved without interrupting. Acknowledge their feelings and perspectives.Repeat back what you’ve heard to ensure understanding and demonstrate that you are paying attention.

Allow each party to express their concerns without interruption. Show that you are listening by nodding and summarizing their points to ensure you understand their perspectives.

Listening effectively is the key, because tense situations came from miscommunications, put yourself in their shoes, watch their body language and finally shifting their focus on the resolution. Set aside all your feelings, try to be objective, focusing on the resolution, not the perfect time for any biases.

Avoid taking sides. Emphasize that your goal is to find a resolution that benefits the project as a whole. Maintain a balanced view and refrain from making judgments based on initial impressions.

Guide the conversation toward finding a resolution rather than dwelling on the conflict. Ask open-ended questions like "What do you think we can do to resolve this?" to promote collaborative problem-solving.

Encourage open and respectful dialogue between the parties. Set ground rules for the discussion, such as no interruptions and respect for each other's viewpoints.

Highlight shared objectives, such as meeting project deadlines and maintaining quality standards. Emphasizing common goals can help align the parties' interests and foster cooperation.

Monitor the situation to ensure the resolution is being implemented effectively. Regular check-ins with the involved parties can help maintain progress and prevent the conflict from resurfacing.

Two subcontractors on your project have a heated disagreement over the scheduling and use of shared equipment, causing delays and tension on site. What to do? Approach the situation calmly, setting a tone of professionalism. Hear out both subcontractors, ensuring each has an opportunity to explain their perspective without interruption. Ask questions to understand the specific scheduling and usage issues causing the conflict. Encourage both parties to suggest solutions. Set clear expectations.Check with both subcontractors after implementing the solution to ensure the conflict does not resurface. Record the resolution process and outcomes for future reference, and consider scheduling regular coordination meetings to preempt similar issues.