Navigating Conflict: How to Resolve Tensions Between Project Manager and Plant Head?

I require your views on the following situation and also suggestions on how to handle this situation.

Project Conflict: Mr. X and Mr. Y

Recently, we started a new project and transferred one of our talented employees, Mr. X, as Project Manager (15 years of experience with us). He was clearly informed that the Plant Head, Mr. Y, would join, and Mr. X would report to him.

Now, the Plant Head has joined, but there is a conflict between both. Mr. X initially showed that he had accepted Mr. Y, but gradually, conflict started.

As a Project Manager, Mr. X continued to make decisions without involving Mr. Y. Whenever Mr. Y questions him or asks him something, Mr. X avoids explaining anything and tells him, "I am an old employee who knows the systems better." In morning meetings, they have arguments with each other, and they don't speak eye to eye. The rest of the project team is becoming stressed due to this.

Analysis of the Conflict

1. They have different working styles – Mr. X makes fast decisions and doesn't delve too much into data and analysis, whereas Mr. Y is a data-oriented person.

2. Both are looking for space.

I have counseled both Mr. X and Mr. Y, but there has been no change.

Please suggest how I should handle this situation.

Some details, such as the type of job activities, are missing. However, the following may be analyzed in detail:

- What is the profile of Mr. X?
- How much sincerity has Mr. X exhibited in the 15 years?
- What is the record of him?
- What is his ego level? It appears he certainly has one.
- Did Mr. X have an ambition to hold the position of Plant Head?
- Is he in this role by chance?
- What is his interpersonal relationship record with other employees and superiors?

Based on your assessment, you need to determine with whom the fault lies more; in other words, in your perspective, who is more dependable. Please have a thorough observation and conclude.

For the time being, you need to decide to put another person, Xdash, in the same grade as Mr. X and share his responsibilities so that both X and Xdash will report to Mr. Y. Of course, you have to analyze Mr. Y as well, similar to X, without any bias.

All the best,

Regards,
R. Mohan

1) What made you appoint Mr. X under Mr. Y?

2) Did you communicate and discuss the appointment of Mr. Y as the Plant Manager with Mr. X?

3) Did you study and evaluate Mr. X's skills before appointing Mr. Y as his superior?

4) Do you have any reasons to state whether Mr. X was not suitable for the position of Plant Manager, despite being a talented employee?

5) Do you have any information about succession planning?

Looking forward to hearing from you at the earliest.

With profound regards,