Projects and People:
Problem and Conflict Resolution (continued)
Another important aspect of problem solving is the attitude that people take when faced with problems or conflicts. Is everyone absolutely committed to their own desired outcome for their good, or are they willing to give as well as take for the sake of the organization?

The desired attitude is a spirit of cooperation rather than competition.

In many organizations, the functional managers and project managers compete rather than support. A common issue is assignment of resources. We have found that relationships work much better when everyone is willing to take a “60/40” approach – I am willing to give more than I think I get back for the sake of the relationship and for the good of the team as a whole.

Both parties in the potential conflict adopt this same attitude. Successful project managers foster a “60/40” spirit of cooperation and are able to resolve conflict rapidly, as each person has developed a “giving” solution before they even meet for discussions.