Effects of Emotional Intelligence in Enhancing Team Collaboration and Conflict Resolution in Agile Project Management

Abstract

In this study, I explored the use of emotional intelligence (EI) in enhancing team collaboration and conflict resolution within agile project management environments. Though agile methodologies have gained more popularity, most projects still suffer from interpersonal conflicts and communication failures that detract from project performance. Though the literature is particular to the dynamics of agile project management, little is known about the emotional and interpersonal dynamics that influence team effectiveness. I examined how EI skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills influence team dynamics and project success. Guided by Daniel Goleman\u27s Emotional Intelligence Framework, in this qualitative study, I employed semi-structured interviews to gather data from agile project managers and team members of small- and medium-sized organizations in the Washington D.C. area