Overview

One major role of a Project Manager is to resolve any conflicts that may arise during a project. These may involve situations including but not limited to:

• A team member not meeting the minimum expectations set for them (time/effort/other requirements)
• A team member is not communicative or hard to reach
• A team member has personal issues that hinder their progress for the project.
• A team member has conflicting views with another member.

Conflicts are common in situations where there are multiple team members with potentially different views and priorities, but steps can be taken to apporach these conflicts.

Suggested Actions

These are some suggested steps, but you may take a different course of action if you see fit.

1. Schedule a 1:1 call with the team member to discuss the conflicts that have been slowing down the process of the project.
   1. If it is hard to get a hold of the member, try reaching out via all forms of contact available.
      1. If no response still, escalate the issue (if possible).
      2. If all fails, send a polite but firm email indicating their removal from the team.
2. During the call, inquire about the reasons surrounding their lack of motivation.
   1. If the reasons are external (such as mental health or intense workload), provide a warning that if this behavior persists then the PM would escalate the situation, and/or the member may be asked to leave the team.
   2. If the reasons are internal (such as disputes among members), schedule a separate 1:1 with all those who were mentioned to address these issues.
      1. Escalate the issue if possible and as needed if issues are too difficult to resolve.
   3. If they are struggling with the material/technologies used, provide resources and encourage the team member to reach out to the PM and any other available mentors.
3. In all other cases, feel free to use your own judgment and contact the project mentor such that we are aware of the unique situation.