With the growing prevalence of project work, the importance of planning also rises. However, it’s crucial to recognize that good planning alone is not always sufficient. Projects are intricate and dynamic systems, making them highly fragile and susceptible to disruptions.

As schedules become overwhelming, tensions may escalate. Despite the availability of various project management tools and techniques, problems cannot always be completely avoided. It is essential to acknowledge that people are at the heart of project execution, and emotions are a natural response to different situations.

While project manager does not inherently hold a hierarchical supervisory role in the traditional sense, they bear the responsibility of cultivating a safe and comfortable working environment (Janhonen et al., 2015). Such an environment enables the team to thrive and perform their tasks optimally.

Addressing emotions for project success

Creating and establishing a supportive and conducive work environment involves acknowledging, recognizing, and occasionally discussing emotions. For the project’s success, it is crucial to also address aspects that may be perceived as negative.

Often, misunderstandings, assumptions, or even prejudices underlie the issues, and resolving them requires and necessitates engaging in open dialogue.

Untreated situations and the resulting emotions can lead the team into a deadlock, impairing employees’ concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities (Mäkelä, 2020).

Ignoring emotions can manifest as frustration, closed-mindedness, snapping and outbursts, or even overt hostility towards team members.

The discussion goes a long way

Team spirit can be enhanced through activities like team coaching or recreational days spent together. However, when it truly matters, the team must be willing to engage in discussions, even about challenging topics. Direct and purposeful communication often helps each participant reflect on their attitudes and gain new perspectives.

When considering team spirit, it is important to prioritize discussions that are constructive and respectful. Such discussions should aim to benefit others and contribute to their well-being. Through these conversations, team members learn from one another and make informed decisions regarding their own actions and behaviors.

It is also important to acknowledge that disagreements are a natural part of human life, both personally and professionally. We have all been in situations where two individuals perceive the same thing differently.

This can also occur in the workplace. The key lies in how we handle such situations and whether we are willing to address the underlying issues openly.

References

Janhonen, M., Toivanen, M., Eskelinen, K., Heikkilä, H., & Järvensivu, A. (2015). Rajoja rikkova työ. Kohti sujuvia toimintakäytäntöjä verkostoituvassa ja lohkoutuvassa työssä. Työterveyslaitos. Helsinki.

Mäkelä, A. (2020). Näin tunteet vaikuttavat työpaikalla – lannistava tunnelma tuhoaa luovuuden. Duunitori.fi.