What is the best way to handle conflicts and disagreements in data visualization projects?

1 Identify the sources of conflict

The first step to handle conflicts and disagreements in data visualization projects is to identify the sources and causes of the problem. Conflicts can arise from different perspectives, expectations, preferences, or goals among the people involved in the project. For example, you might disagree with your client about the choice of colors, charts, or layout for your dashboard. Or you might have a conflict with your team member about the data analysis, interpretation, or presentation methods. To identify the sources of conflict, you need to communicate clearly and respectfully, listen actively and empathetically, and ask open-ended questions to understand the other person's point of view.

4 Negotiate and compromise

The fourth step to handle conflicts and disagreements in data visualization projects is to negotiate and compromise with the other person, and reach a mutually acceptable agreement or solution. Conflicts can be settled or prevented if you can balance your own interests and needs with those of the other person, and make concessions or trade-offs that can benefit both parties. For example, you might agree with your client on a color scheme that combines their preferred colors with yours, or a chart type that meets their expectations and yours. Or you might compromise with your team member on a data analysis, interpretation, or presentation method that incorporates their suggestions and yours. To negotiate and compromise, you need to be respectful, cooperative, and fair, and avoid ultimatums, threats, or accusations.

5 Implement and monitor

The fifth step to handle conflicts and disagreements in data visualization projects is to implement and monitor the agreement or solution that you have reached with the other person, and ensure that it is effective and satisfactory. Conflicts can be minimized or eliminated if you can follow through on your commitments and responsibilities, and check on the progress and results of the project. For example, you might implement the agreed color scheme, chart type, or layout for your dashboard, and monitor the feedback and reactions of your client and the audience. Or you might implement the compromised data analysis, interpretation, or presentation method, and monitor the accuracy and impact of your data story. To implement and monitor, you need to be accountable, reliable, and transparent, and communicate regularly and constructively.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth and final step to handle conflicts and disagreements in data visualization projects is to learn and improve from the experience, and apply the lessons and insights to your future projects. Conflicts can be opportunities or challenges to enhance your analytical skills, data visualization skills, and collaboration skills, and to improve the quality and impact of your data stories. For example, you might learn from your client about their preferences, expectations, or goals, and improve your design skills, communication skills, or client management skills. Or you might learn from your team member about their approaches, methods, or techniques, and improve your data analysis skills, interpretation skills, or presentation skills. To learn and improve, you need to be reflective, humble, and curious, and seek feedback and improvement.

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?