Communication to prevent conflict
The Insight
When faced with conflict, it’s common to get defensive.
In the workplace, and especially in construction projects, it’s easy to forget that there are healthy, alternative motivators. People want different things. Understanding what those things are can help to find similarities and unify visions. Different situations require different approaches to communication.
When it comes to conflict resolution in construction projects, clear and direct is typically best as speed is paramount. Time is money.
PlanGrid, a construction productivity software company, conducted a survey in 2018 with 600 construction leaders and found that in the US, each project team member spends 14 hours a week dealing with conflict, rework and other issues that take away from higher priority activities.
That’s almost two days of wasted time each week.
The Impact
Developing your emotional intelligence as a project leader means facing conflict with empathy.
Strong emotional intelligence involves listening and developing an understanding of what led to the conflict. This approach highlights the way forward and likely prevents the same conflict in the future.
The ability to build strong relationships is what project management is about. How we communicate with one another is key to preventing conflict. Often the tone in which we communicate must be adjusted to suit an individual. Doing so opens up deeper insights into their motivations and challenges.
An example of utilising emotional intelligence in goal-setting is to recognise and reward people who contribute to the success. By celebrating individual achievements, you foster an environment of collaboration and empathy.
It’s important to also remember yourself, as the project leader, in the process. Understand your own weaknesses and regularly work on ways to improve your emotional intelligence. Listening is key.
While preventing conflict is the ultimate goal, having a clear strategy to resolve any tension that does arise is essential.