How can you reconcile competing project visions between a team member and a client?

1 Understand the perspectives

The first step to reconciling competing project visions is to understand where each party is coming from. What are the objectives, motivations, and assumptions of your team member and your client? How do they see the problem and the solution? What are their preferences, styles, and values? By listening actively and empathetically, you can gain insight into their perspectives and identify the common ground and the gaps that need to be bridged.

2 Communicate clearly and respectfully

The second step is to communicate your own vision and rationale to both your team member and your client, as well as to hear their feedback and concerns. Use clear, concise, and respectful language, and avoid jargon, ambiguity, or criticism. Explain the benefits and drawbacks of each option, and provide evidence and examples to support your claims. Acknowledge the strengths and limitations of each perspective, and show appreciation and recognition for their input and expertise.

3 Collaborate creatively and constructively

The third step is to collaborate with your team member and your client to find a creative and constructive solution that satisfies both their needs and yours. Rather than focusing on the differences or the conflicts, look for the opportunities and the synergies that can emerge from combining or adapting the different visions. Use brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and feedback techniques to generate and evaluate ideas, and involve both parties in the decision-making process.

4 Manage expectations and boundaries

The fourth step is to manage the expectations and boundaries of your team member and your client throughout the project. Set realistic and achievable goals, timelines, and deliverables, and communicate them clearly and regularly. Establish roles and responsibilities, and respect the scope and budget of the project. Anticipate and address any potential issues or risks, and be flexible and adaptable to changes or feedback. Keep both parties informed and engaged, and celebrate the milestones and achievements.

5 Learn and improve

The fifth step is to learn from the experience and improve your skills and processes for future projects. After the project is completed, solicit and provide feedback to both your team member and your client, and identify what worked well and what could be improved. Reflect on your own performance and behavior, and recognize your strengths and areas for development. Apply the lessons learned and the best practices to your next project, and seek continuous improvement and growth.

6 Enjoy the results

The final step is to enjoy the results of your hard work and creativity, and to share them with your team member and your client. Showcase the project outcomes and the impact they have on the target audience and the market. Express gratitude and appreciation for the collaboration and the partnership, and celebrate the success and the value you have created. Build trust and rapport with both parties, and look forward to working with them again on future projects.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?