How do you navigate conflicting priorities between your electrical team and non-technical stakeholders?

Communicate clearly and often, using simple language for technical terms. Listen to non-technical stakeholders to learn their priorities and explain your team's needs and limits. Find common ground by aligning both sides' goals and work together to create solutions that meet everyone's needs. This helps ensure everyone is on the same page.

1-Ensure that both teams have open lines of communication. Regular meetings where both sides can articulate their needs and constraints can help in understanding each perspective. 2- Identify overarching goals that align both teams. By focusing on shared objectives, you can find ways to prioritize tasks that benefit both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 3- Help non-technical stakeholders understand the technical implications of their requests. Providing context about why certain priorities exist can foster empathy and understanding. 4- Work together to evaluate the potential impact of conflicting priorities. This can help in making decisions based on which projects or tasks contribute most significantly to business goals.

Best way is to use example that non technical team can understand to explain the complexity. Challenge is to find the correct example that will come with the experience.

Understand Both Sides. Technical perspective, understand the technical constraints, requirements, and priorities of the electrical team and Stakeholder perspective, understand the goals, expectations, and concerns of non-technical stakeholders, such as cost, timeline, and user experience.

Start by thoroughly understanding the needs and priorities of both the electrical team and the non-technical stakeholders. This involves listening to their concerns, goals, and expectations.

Effective Communication, translate technical language , explain technical issues and requirements in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. Clarify stakeholder needs, ensure that the electrical team understands the business goals and constraints that the stakeholders are concerned with. Identify Common Goals. Shared objectives: Identify and emphasize common goals and objectives to create a sense of shared purpose. Align priorities, align technical work with business objectives whenever possible to show how technical decisions support overall goals.

Establish open and transparent communication channels. Ensure that both the technical and non-technical teams are regularly updated on progress, issues, and changes. Use simple language when communicating with non-technical stakeholders to ensure they fully understand the technical aspects and implications of decisions.

Work with both teams to prioritize tasks based on their impact on overall project goals and deadlines. Use a systematic approach to rank tasks, considering factors like urgency, importance, and resources available. This helps in making informed decisions that align with the strategic objectives of the organization.

Mediation and Facilitation, neutral mediator - Consider involving a neutral mediator or facilitator if conflicts become difficult to resolve. Structured discussions, use structured discussion techniques to ensure all voices are heard and to find mutually acceptable solutions.

Be adaptable and open to change. Sometimes, adjustments need to be made to accommodate new information or changing circumstances. Implement flexible plans that allow for revisions and encourage both teams to be open to compromises. Flexibility ensures that the project can continue to progress smoothly even when challenges arise.