Project Management Professional (PMP) Practice Exam

Being assigned as a project manager, you noticed during project execution that conflicts arise in the team on both technical and interpersonal levels. What is an appropriate way of handling conflicts?

1. Conflicts distract the team and disrupt the work rhythm. You should always smooth them when they surface.

2. A conflict should be handled in a meeting so that the entire team can participate in finding a solution.

3. Conflicts should be addressed early and usually in private, using a direct, collaborative approach.

4. You should use your coercive power to quickly resolve conflicts and then focus on goal achievement.

The correct answer is: Conflicts should be addressed early and usually in private, using a direct, collaborative approach.

Conflicts within a team can be detrimental to the overall success of a project. Option A may seem like a quick fix, but simply smoothing conflicts over does not address the underlying issues and may lead to even bigger conflicts in the future. Option B, while involving the entire team in finding a solution, may not always be the best approach as some conflicts are better handled privately. Option D, using coercive power, can damage team dynamics and may not resolve the root causes of the conflicts. Option C, addressing conflicts early and using a direct, collaborative approach, allows for open communication and finding a solution that works for all parties involved.