20/10/2023, 10:56 How to Prevent and Resolve Team Conflict in Agile Projects

What are some common sources of

All Team Coordination

team conflict in agile projects and how

can you prevent them?
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Team conflict is inevitable in any project, but it can be especially challenging in agile projects,
where teams need to collaborate frequently, adapt to changing requirements, and deliver value
quickly. However, team conflict can also be a source of learning, creativity, and improvement, if
handled constructively and proactively. In this article, you will learn about some common
sources of team conflict in agile projects and how you can prevent them or resolve them
effectively.
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20/10/2023, 10:56 How to Prevent and Resolve Team Conflict in Agile Projects

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Role clarity
One of the main sources of team conflict in agile projects is the lack of role clarity. Agile
teams are expected to be self-organizing, cross-functional, and empowered, but
sometimes this can create confusion or overlap in responsibilities, expectations, and
accountabilities. For example, who is the product owner, the scrum master, the developer,
the tester, the customer, the stakeholder, and what are their roles and boundaries? To
prevent this type of conflict, you need to define and communicate the roles and
responsibilities of each team member clearly, and align them with the project vision, goals,
and values. You also need to respect and trust the expertise and autonomy of each role,
and avoid micromanaging or interfering with their work.

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Communication breakdown
Another common source of team conflict in agile projects is the communication breakdown.
Agile teams rely on frequent and effective communication to coordinate their work, share
feedback, solve problems, and learn from each other. However, communication can break
down due to various reasons, such as different communication styles, preferences,
channels, tools, languages, cultures, or assumptions. For example, some team members
may prefer face-to-face communication, while others may prefer written or asynchronous
communication. Some team members may use jargon, acronyms, or technical terms, while
others may not understand them. Some team members may communicate directly and
assertively, while others may communicate indirectly and politely. To prevent this type of
conflict, you need to establish and follow some communication norms and protocols for
your team, such as when, how, where, and what to communicate, and how to give and
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20/10/2023, 10:56 How to Prevent and Resolve Team Conflict in Agile Projects

receive feedback. You also need to use clear, concise, and respectful language, and avoid
ambiguity, sarcasm, or criticism. You also need to listen actively, empathize, and
acknowledge different perspectives, and seek clarification if needed.
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Task interdependence
A third common source of team conflict in agile projects is the task interdependence. Agile
teams work on complex and dynamic tasks that require coordination and integration among
different team members, functions, or disciplines. However, task interdependence can
create conflict due to different priorities, deadlines, standards, or dependencies. For
example, some team members may focus on delivering features, while others may focus on
ensuring quality. Some team members may work on different sprints, iterations, or releases,
while others may work on the same one. Some team members may depend on the output or
input of others, while others may not. To prevent this type of conflict, you need to plan and
manage your tasks carefully, using tools such as user stories, acceptance criteria, backlog,
sprint backlog, burndown chart, or kanban board. You also need to align your tasks with the
project scope, schedule, budget, and quality criteria, and communicate any changes or
issues promptly. You also need to collaborate and cooperate with your team members, and
support them when needed.

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Personality clashes
A fourth common source of team conflict in agile projects is the personality clashes. Agile
teams are composed of diverse and unique individuals who bring different skills,
experiences, values, opinions, and preferences to the project. However, personality clashes
can occur due to incompatible or conflicting personalities, such as introverts vs extroverts,
thinkers vs feelers, planners vs improvisers, or leaders vs followers. For example, some
team members may be more creative, innovative, or risk-taking, while others may be more
analytical, logical, or cautious. Some team members may be more outgoing, sociable, or
expressive, while others may be more reserved, quiet, or reflective. To prevent this type of
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conflict, you need to appreciate and leverage the diversity and strengths of your team
members, and avoid stereotyping or judging them based on their personality. You also need
to adapt your communication and collaboration style to suit different personalities, and find
common ground or shared interests. You also need to respect and accept the differences
and preferences of your team members, and avoid imposing your own.
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Conflict resolution
Despite your best efforts to prevent team conflict in agile projects, you may still encounter
some situations where conflict arises and needs to be resolved. Therefore, you should
adopt a constructive and proactive approach to conflict resolution. To do so, first identify
the source and nature of the conflict. Acknowledge the conflict and express your
willingness to resolve it. Listen actively and empathetically to the other party, and share
your own perspective and concerns. Then, identify and explore the underlying interests and
needs of both parties. Generate and evaluate possible options and alternatives, negotiate,
and agree on a mutually acceptable solution. Finally, implement and monitor the solution,
checking in regularly with the other party to see if it is working or needs adjustment.

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