Experienced project management professionals (PMPs) know that as they plan and execute projects, they'll encounter conflicts and differences of opinion. As you study for your PMP certification exam, become familiar with these six strategies to resolve conflict.
| Strategy | Description | Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Confronting / Problem-solving | Confronting the conflict as a problem to be solved | When you have confidence in the other party's ability to
problem solve When the relationship is important When you need a win-win solution |
| Collaborating | Win-win through collaboration and meeting to resolve issues | When there is time and trust When the objective is to learn When you want to incorporate multiple views When there is time to come to consensus |
| Compromising | When you are looking for some degree of satisfaction for both parties | When there is a willingness to give and take When both parties need to win When you can't win When an equal relationship exists between the parties in conflict When the stakes are moderate To avoid a fight |
| Smoothing / Accommodating | Emphasize areas of agreement | To reach an overarching goal To maintain harmony When any solution will be adequate When you will lose anyway To create goodwill |
| Forcing | Win-lose; impose the resolution | When you are right In a do-or-die situation When the stakes are high To gain power If the relationship is not important When time is of the essence |
| Withdrawal / Avoiding | Retreat; cool off | When you can't win When the stakes are low To preserve neutrality or reputation If the problem will go away on its own |