Episode 7 – Conflict Management

Jacob Rizada

1. Conflict identified:

There is one instance where the teammate was given the task as part of pre-KT preparations.
Although in this project, I am the specialist assigned, the Manager assigned this one task since I am
on sick leave and this is urgent. The task was given on a Monday and the information will be needed
on Tuesday. By the time I got back to work, she made a follow-up on me on that task past due the
time it was mentioned to be needed. It seems that she didn’t really work on it and reasoned out that
she was assuming I was working on it since I was assigned to that project.

2. Analysis of the conflict:

In this situation, it seems that it is better to shrug it off as I prioritize the relationship since we are
teammates. Also, the issue is not that much as there might be misunderstanding considering the
teammate is new to the work. Although there was a deadline mentioned, the task was somehow
pushed to next few hours.

3. Conflict Resolution Plan:

a. Based from the given situation, the source of the conflict could be mainly from the
teammate being new to the team/position or kind of work. Considering she is coming from
operations position where the tasks are clearly defined as compared to project-based
deliverables. The issue could also be coming from miscommunication on how the task was
laid out by the Manager as to the urgency of the task or why it was assigned to my
teammate.
b. In this case, looking beyond the situation is the best action to do. Giving benefit of the doubt
to my teammate being a newbie. The problem can be addressed with more experience.
c. As the main project team member, I used the Accommodating approach of conflict
management and worked on the task immediately to avoid further conflict. Although I have
mentioned it to her to communicate properly if there are certain issues like this to occur in
the future.
d. Also, since we are on the same level of position, I have raised this concern to the team lead
so he can provide guidance as to how project-based tasks work as compared to defined
operational tasks.

4. Alternative solutions
Collaborating approach to conflict resolution could also work on this situation. Considering the
teammate is a newbie, this kind of task or issue could gave her further experience in dealing
with the future projects to be assigned to her. But the task can be performed quickly and I’m
also working on backlog tasks due to my sick leave, I have to defer collaboration on this issue.