Week 5 Project

Page 1 of 1 MGT3035 Fundamentals of Project Management

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Conflicts In a small group, constructive conflict can challenge accepted beliefs or paradigms that sometimes need to change for the betterment of the company. It develops team dynamics, encourages and motivates members to look for alternate solutions, and revitalizes the energy level and enthusiasm in a team. Personal conflicts are another matter; they are destructive. The project manager is then responsible for addressing the conflicts within the team before they escalate to affect team effectiveness and continuity. Project managers must show a balance of concern between achieving project goals and team-maintenance goals. It is not always clear whether a conflict is a professional one, that is, a professional difference of opinion over a legitimate project concern, or a personal conflict, which, while it has little to do with formal goals, threatens the health of the team. Naturally, some conflicts contain elements of both, and these are especially tricky.