Facilitating Productive Conflict

Are you getting the most out of your workplace conflicts?

PSI considers project conflicts a feature, not a bug, especially in the chartering process. A skilled facilitator uses conflicts (in resources, scheduling, timing and more) to flag problems and solve them. The key is having the right skills and credentials:

-They understand the contents and value of a good project charter

-They can lead a diverse group in a complex discussion for two hours or more

-They have no stake in any particular outcome

Two out of three won’t fly here. Although your company’s project manager seems like a logical choice, neither the project manager, the customer, nor the project sponsor should be facilitators. Team members will either withhold problems (thus not solving them) or consider the process a charade and their input won’t be heeded. Either way, the project suffers because not all problems have been addressed and because the project team has limited commitment.

Some companies tap someone from HR, or get someone from the International Association of Facilitators. Call me biased, but for a chartering process with a proven track record of success, outside experts from PSI, who can facilitate and consult on the project, are your best bet.