Conflict Resolution and Negotiating For a Win-Win

This post explains why the project leader should adopt an interest-based approach to negotiation and conflict resolution.

Many projects use a matrix structure where project manager and line management share responsibility, authority, and accountability for resources employed. This brings together resources from different functional areas to participate in a virtual team. Consequently, they are likely to have different perceptions and expectations for the project.

To be persuasive, we must be believable; to be believable, we must be credible; to be credible we must be truthful. – Edward R. Murrow

For example, they may have a view of the way things should be done, the efficacy of project management techniques or the time and effort scheduled for a particular task. Therefore, the project leader must be able to negotiate with experts, functional managers, and senior management to secure resources, agree priorities, and determine responsibilities.

In other words, the project leader must learn to influence people and move them to action. If we are to motivate someone to do something for us, we need to be certain they understand the objective: