Risk and conflict are natural in any team working on complex problems. My approach is to make risk a shared discussion topic. Clearly define objectives and constraints upfront to align the team on what success looks like. Create a space for open dialogue, where concerns can be voiced without judgment. When conflicts arise, prioritize finding common ground that respects differing viewpoints while keeping the project moving forward.

In managing risk and conflict in OR projects, I prioritize explicit objectives and expectations, promote transparent communication to promptly resolve issues, and seek equitable compromises that honor varying risk tolerances while ensuring project continuity.

To effectively manage risk and conflict in teams: 1. Identify and Mitigate Risks Early: Proactively assess risks and implement preemptive approach to avoid escalation 2. Foster Open Communication: Encourage transparent dialogue and resolve conflicts swiftly with solution-focused mediation 3. Promote Agility and Continuous Improvement: Adapt processes based on real-time feedback, ensuring the team stays agile and resilient 4. Define Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Ensure each team member understands their responsibilities, reducing overlap and confusion that can lead to conflict. 5. Decisions on Facts, Not Assumptions: Rely on objective data and evidence when addressing risks or conflicts to ensure fair, unbiased decision-making

In Operations Research (OR) projects, conflicting ideas on project scope, constraints, and problem parameters are common. Balancing risk tolerance requires a structured approach. Encouraging team members to present data-driven, evidence-based arguments helps make decision-making more objective. This fosters a productive discussion and ensures that the risk associated with uncertainty in parameters, such as probabilities in stochastic problems, is managed effectively. This method not only streamlines conflict resolution but also aligns the team’s objectives with the project’s overall goals

From my experience, the key lies in effective communication and structured problem-solving. I normally use 3 steps to address this type of problem: 1.Ensure there's a clear understanding across the team -Align everyone's perspectives, expectations and define acceptable risk levels 2.Address team conflicts head-on -Promote open discussions where team members can voice their concerns and viewpoints. 3.Foster a culture of collaboration -Implement a routine to actively listen to the team's opinions and foster an environment where decisions are made collectively. Last but no least, always leverage the lessons learned from past projects to enhance ongoing ones.