Example Conflict Scenario

During a software development project, two senior developers clashed over task ownership. One felt that the other was taking on work that had been assigned to them, while the other believed they were simply stepping in to help meet deadlines. The tension began to affect team morale and collaboration speed.

Steps Taken to Resolve the Conflict

1. Identify the Issue

• I observed the tension during stand-ups and private conversations.
• I spoke to each developer individually to understand their perspective without judgment.
• I clarified the facts — which tasks were assigned, where the overlap occurred, and how the misunderstanding started.

2. Facilitate a Joint Discussion

• I brought both developers together in a neutral setting.
• Each person shared their viewpoint without interruptions.
• I kept the discussion fact-focused and tied it back to project goals, not personal grievances.

3. Clarify Roles and Responsibilities

• We reviewed the task assignments in the project tracker.
• I adjusted responsibilities to balance workload and avoid future overlaps.
• We agreed on clear ownership rules for similar tasks going forward.

4. Agree on Communication Guidelines

• We decided that any work outside assigned tasks must be communicated first.
• A shared task tracking document was introduced for transparency.

5. Follow-Up

• I checked in with both developers a week later to ensure the conflict was resolved.
• Collaboration improved, and the team’s delivery pace returned to normal.

Key Takeaways

• Address conflicts early — small issues can escalate quickly.
• Separate facts from emotions — focus on the work, not personalities.
• Encourage proactive communication — shared tools and clear agreements prevent misunderstandings.
• Follow up — resolution should be lasting, not temporary.

Pro Tip: Handled well, conflicts can actually strengthen team trust and improve processes.