Two team members have had professional differences during the execution of a project, a situation that has impacted the performance of both members. Neither of them has wanted to talk to resolve their

Compromising requires both parties to give up something, which is difficult if they are unwilling to even discuss the issue.

Negotiating implies a direct discussion and willingness to find a middle ground, which the team members have already resisted.

Smoothing is a conflict resolution technique where the project manager emphasizes areas of agreement and downplays differences to reduce the emotional intensity of the conflict. This approach is suitable when direct confrontation or negotiation has failed and the goal is to create a more harmonious environment, at least temporarily, allowing work to continue.

Forcing dictates a solution from above, which can damage team morale and relationships, and should generally be a last resort.