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Last updated on Jan 23, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Conflict Resolution

You're facing role confusion in a high-pressure project. How can you navigate conflicts effectively?

When roles blur during a high-stakes project, it can lead to conflicts that hinder progress. Here's how to effectively navigate these issues:

  • Clarify responsibilities: Hold a meeting to define each team member's roles and responsibilities clearly.

  • Foster open communication: Encourage team members to voice their concerns and suggestions.

  • Implement conflict resolution techniques: Use methods like mediation or negotiation to address disputes promptly.

What strategies have worked for you in resolving role confusion during projects? Share your insights.

Conflict Resolution Conflict Resolution

Conflict Resolution

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Last updated on Jan 23, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Conflict Resolution

You're facing role confusion in a high-pressure project. How can you navigate conflicts effectively?

When roles blur during a high-stakes project, it can lead to conflicts that hinder progress. Here's how to effectively navigate these issues:

  • Clarify responsibilities: Hold a meeting to define each team member's roles and responsibilities clearly.

  • Foster open communication: Encourage team members to voice their concerns and suggestions.

  • Implement conflict resolution techniques: Use methods like mediation or negotiation to address disputes promptly.

What strategies have worked for you in resolving role confusion during projects? Share your insights.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
7 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Mahim Agarwal

    ServiceNow Trainee @KPMG | BTech CSE | SIH23 Winner | CSA & CAD ServiceNow | Data Science | TSA | EDA | Tech Enthusiast | 100K+ Impressions |

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    1) Clarify Roles: Communicate clearly with all team members to define responsibilities. 2) Address Conflicts Directly: Handle disputes with open dialogue and mutual respect. 3) Seek Solutions: Focus on finding solutions that align with project goals. Staying proactive and communicative is key!

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    3
  • Contributor profile photo
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    Hassan Tirmizi, FCIPD, CMgr FCMI, FCPHR

    OD&D Maverick | Global HR Thought Leader | People & Culture Architect | Transformation Coach | Training Maven | Chartered Fellow CIPD | Chartered Manager Fellow (CMgr FCMI)

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    Ever been in the middle of a high-pressure project, where you’re unsure whether you’re wearing the “leader” hat or the “doer” hat? Role confusion can easily lead to conflict, but it’s all about clarity and communication. First, take a step back and have an open conversation with your team about boundaries and expectations. Clearly define each person’s role and how you all contribute to the goal. Stay flexible but firm in what you need to own. If tensions rise, address them directly but respectfully—sometimes a candid chat clears the air. And remember: "When roles get blurred, clarity is your sharpest tool."

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    Contributor profile photo
    Aditya Sugiarto

    Management Student at Soegijapranata Catholic University|Soegijapranata University Echo Life SCU Student Activity Unit|Environmental Activist|Human Resource Management (HRM)|Human Resource (HR) Enthusiast

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    dealing with role confusion in high-pressure projects demands an approach that promotes the value of human resources as the organization's main asset. in my opinion, the key to effective and sustainable conflict resolution is to build open communication and empathy between team members, so that each individual feels valued and their role is clear. by prioritizing shared understanding and collaboration, organizations can reduce internal friction and increase productivity. this approach not only resolves short-term conflicts, but also strengthens a healthy and adaptive work culture, which ultimately supports the efficient and sustainable success of the company.

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  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    KEYA GHOSE ELI-MP Mindset Coach

    Coach

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    Sticking rigidly to your role or staying strictly in your lane often does more harm than good. Instead, when you engage fully in the process—without becoming overly attached—it can be incredibly rewarding. This doesn’t mean expecting recognition but rather approaching the work with a mindset of curiosity and a desire to understand the bigger picture. By doing so, you can take ownership of the process, no matter how small your part may seem, and lead with intention. Chasing titles or clinging to boundaries can lead to unnecessary stress, constantly worrying about staying within limits. But when you immerse yourself in the experience, you unlock the true value of your contribution, making the journey both meaningful and inspiring.

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    1
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    Maksim Pomazov

    Tandem-Mediator No. 1 | Conflict resolution | Business & Family conflicts resolution | Cross-cultural conflicts resolution | Mediator certified | Co-founder at “Quinella Mediation Valley”.

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    In high-pressure environments, confusion of roles in a project can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and a worsening of the team atmosphere. The involvement of a mediator helps to build communication, identify key issues and find solutions. An experienced mediator acts as a neutral party, creating a safe space for dialogue and helping participants express their positions and find out their interests. This allows you to eliminate emotions. Thanks to the professional approach of the mediator, the participants get the opportunity not only to resolve the current conflict, but also to build more effective principles of interaction in the future. This is an investment in maintaining team spirit even in the most stressful conditions.

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    Bryan Dsouza

    Expert in Data-Driven Overtime Management & Resource Optimization | Learning Machine | Food Critic

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    When facing role confusion in a high-pressure project, navigating conflicts effectively requires clear communication, proactive clarification with stakeholders, active listening, and a focus on finding common ground, while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor; key steps include identifying the source of the conflict, seeking clarification on roles and responsibilities, and proposing solutions that benefit the overall project goals.

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  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Brett Oppegaard, Ph.D.

    Design Researcher (R&D) w/ Accessibility (Audio Description / WCAG 2+), Locative, and GenAI expertise | Consults about UI/UX, Interaction Design, EdTech | Cross-Functional Collaborator | Professor | SAR | Humane Society

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    Role confusion is often caused by a definitional issue of the role. Many roles are complicated and involve many layers of meaning. Ideally, a team will scope out a role and put boundaries on it, especially in some of the more abstract portions of the roles, like "building community." When you take a role on any team, I recommend that you carefully consider what that role entails and clarify any fuzzy boundaries.

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