As well as being able to handle conflict when it arises, teams need to develop ways of prevent conflicts. Team members can learn skills and behavior to help this. Here are some of the key ones to work on:

Steps to Prevent Conflicts

 1. Get Commitments from the Team

Every project has some part time contributors, who are also involved in some other projects. Handling them properly is the key for the Project Manager to prevent conflicts. With part-time contributors, relative priorities are a prime consideration. Ask your team members who are involved in various other projects/tasks about their priorities for your project. Also inquire about their perception of both the importance and the urgency of the other work relative to your project.

If your gross intuition is that you may have to struggle to get their time when you need it, you might consider more reliable staffing alternatives. Before that, however, a PM should evaluate any concerns that might be present, with the individuals’ manager.

2. Involve Part-Time Contributors

As with any member of your team, involving part-timers begins with building good associations and expectations. Ask about their work preferences and expertise, and get them involved with activities that they are good at, and, ideally, that they want to perform. Involve them whenever possible in your start-up workshops and planning activities. Provide them regular feedbacks.

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