Key stakeholders in a merger are at odds over communication. How will you navigate conflicting viewpoints?

When stakeholders are not in agreement with the steps to move forward in a merger it speaks to a bigger issue at hand and one that has been active for awhile and the “smoke before fire” signs were missed along the way. To bring stakeholders into agreement storytelling is the key to fix it and can also be the culprit. This will take transparency and what I do with my clients of stepping away from the table, together, for a human centric conversation. In this conversation the focus is to find the core areas of disagreement and create the narrative together. This helps to alleviate anxieties, align expectations, and foster a sense of partnership.

I've been a part of dozens of billion dollar transactions. Navigating conflicting viewpoints among stakeholders during a merger requires strategic communication and conflict resolution. Here are some key strategies: 1. Open Dialogue: Facilitate transparent discussions to ensure everyone feels heard. 2. Identify Common Goals: Focus on shared objectives to align perspectives. 3. Mediation: Use neutral mediators for fair conflict resolution. 4. Clear Communication: Develop a plan for regular updates and consistent messaging. 5. Empathy: Validate stakeholders’ emotions and concerns. 6. Data-Driven Insights: Use objective evidence to support decisions. 7. Flexibility: Be open to adjustments and compromises.

Active listening in an environment where a team can come together and discuss issues safely is so important. Ideally with facilitators involved in the process.

Mergers can feel like a dramatic family reunion! Everyone's got their opinions and no one wants to back down. When key stakeholders are at odds, the magic lies in listening. I'd encourage lots of coffee chats (preferably with some food, because that makes people more receptive), honest conversations, and lots of listening. By addressing concerns and finding common ground, you can sure build a bridge of trust. It takes patience, empathy, and listening while showing your full interest! If this resonates, listen to the episode on active listening on the podcast- Communicate101: speaking writing tips. Offers lots of value!

I once organized my best friend's wedding. Her own family and her future in-laws had radically different ideas about everything. I helped them open up to some honest chats. I made everyone feel heard, listed all their ideas on a big board, and found common ground. For your merger, I'd suggest, embrace transparency like I did with the wedding plans. Lay everything out, let everyone voice their opinions, and find those sweet spots of agreement. Sure, it’s a bit of juggling, but with clear communication and a sprinkle of patience, you’ll turn chaos into harmony.

In my experience as a communication skills coach, I’ve seen how conflicting viewpoints can derail even the most promising mergers. In one of my workshops, I had a group of school teachers and management at odds over a new curriculum. To navigate this, I fostered an open dialogue where each one could express their concerns and suggestions. By implementing structured communication techniques like active listening, paraphrasing, and ensuring everyone had a voice, we turned conflict into collaboration. In mergers, use similar strategies: create safe spaces for dialogue, emphasize common goals, and build consensus through mutual respect and understanding.