Senior leadership is divided on project strategy. How will you navigate this challenging situation?

1 Assess Views

When faced with divided leadership, your first step is to thoroughly assess the differing views on the project strategy. This involves engaging with each leader to understand their concerns, motivations, and desired outcomes. You must listen actively and empathetically, acknowledging the validity of their perspectives while remaining neutral. By doing so, you can identify the underlying issues and determine where there might be potential for compromise or synergy. This assessment will serve as the foundation for developing a strategy that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.

2 Build Consensus

Building consensus among senior leaders requires a careful blend of diplomacy and negotiation. You'll need to facilitate discussions that focus on shared goals and the long-term vision of the organization, rather than on individual preferences or immediate gains. Encourage open dialogue and foster an atmosphere where all voices are heard and respected. By guiding the conversation towards common objectives and demonstrating how a unified strategy can benefit everyone, you can help create a sense of collective ownership and responsibility for the project's success.

3 Leverage Data

In any strategic discussion, leveraging data can be a powerful tool to support your arguments and sway opinions. Present clear, objective facts and figures that highlight the benefits and drawbacks of each proposed strategy. Use this data to demonstrate how the project aligns with the company's key performance indicators (KPIs) and overall business goals. By grounding the discussion in data, you can help depersonalize the debate and steer the leadership toward a more rational and informed decision-making process.

4 Encourage Flexibility

Encouraging flexibility among senior leaders is crucial when navigating a divide. Remind them that rigid adherence to a single strategy may not always be the best approach and that being open to adaptation can lead to more innovative solutions. Highlight the importance of agility in today's business environment, where market conditions and customer needs can change rapidly. By promoting a flexible mindset, you can help the leadership team to consider alternative strategies that may offer a compromise without sacrificing the project's objectives.

5 Foster Collaboration

Fostering collaboration is essential to bridging the gap between divided leaders. Create opportunities for joint problem-solving sessions where leaders can work together to develop the project strategy. This collaborative approach not only helps to merge different viewpoints into a cohesive plan but also strengthens the relationships between leaders. By working as a team, they can leverage their collective expertise and insights, which can lead to a more robust and effective strategy.