Project managers - Managing conflict
Featured in the The Project Management Activity Pack training manual
By Eddie Davies
Category: Management
Credit price: 4 download credits (Single user)
Project managers are responsible for getting the best out of many resources to achieve the ultimate goals of their project. One of the key roles of a project manager is to control their staff to ensure that they are working both efficiently and effectively. You may have the best machinery operating the best system on which no expense has been spared – but if your staff are not performing at their optimum then it can all fall apart. But what about the staff who fail to perform to standard? What action should be taken and by whom?
You begin the training activity by establishing that the people are the project manager’s most vital and usually most expensive asset. You next discuss the need to take timely action to correct poor performance. The participants then define what they understand by the term ‘discipline’. You stress that is has a positive aspect that is often overlooked. At this point a seven-step approach to overcoming poor performance is introduced. The styles of behaviour that the project manager uses for the approach are discussed. Three main types of behaviour and four predominant styles for handling conflict are discussed. The benefits of an assertive style are identified. The participants are then given the opportunity to try out the approach and style in a series of mini role-play exercises using real work-based incidents they have experienced. The training activity ends with a plenary review following which participants identify how they can transfer their learning back to their work. Where appropriate, they fill in their learning review diary.
Who is it for: This training resource is intended for use by trainers to show participants the strategy and style necessary to run a discussion with a job holder who is not performing to the required standard. Managing conflict is a vital skill for line managers.
| Resource Type: | Activity |
| Min Group Size: | 4 |
| Max Group Size: | 20 |
| Typical Duration: | 02:15:00 |
| No of Pages: | 23 |
Resources: View standard resources for Fenman training activities
Purpose: This training resource is intended for use by trainers on a training event for all project managers who have responsibility for people – whether direct reports, consultants or others. The training activity covers material that is also applicable to any line manager who has responsibility for people. It could be used on courses such as introduction to management, team leadership, disciplinary skills or performance appraisal.
Download the training activity, Project managers - Managing conflict as featured in the Fenman training manual; The Project Management Activity Pack