What do you do if your colleagues have conflicting opinions on a project?

If someone shares a different view to you, get curious, not judgemental. It's easy to judge, criticise and disregard views that don't accord with yours. When we do that though we shut down our ability to understand the other's perspective, limiting the opportunity for an even better outcome through collaboration. Try these statements, "I am curious to understand more about..." "I had not considered that, are you able to share more..."

Yes, listening is key, but how and what we listen for is just as crucial. If we listen through the lens of our biases, active listening will only take us so far. It’s important to uncover hidden biases before diving into resolution processes. We need to hear all voices, including the quiet and silent ones, to fully represent the system. Recognizing our biases is tough—they stem from deep-seated beliefs that subtly color our perceptions. By understanding this, we can better listen for the unspoken and what needs to be expressed, helping us move from stalemate to alignment where all perspectives are valued and everyone feels heard and seen.

Active listening is key in resolving disagreements among colleagues. By allowing each person to express their view without interruption, you respect and fully grasp each perspective. This approach often reveals the core concerns behind opinions, aiding in finding common ground. Technique: Reflective Summarizing. - After listening, summarize each point to confirm understanding. - Ask clarifying questions if necessary. - Use these summaries to identify mutual concerns and solutions. This technique ensures all viewpoints are understood and valued, facilitating effective resolution.

Agree listening comes first and I would add INQUIRY. Asking questions to better understand the person's point of view at a deeper level enables them to "feel seen, heard and understood" which is a fundamental human need and part of inclusion. I would then take a more SYSTEMIC approach to discover how everyone's differing perspectives are adding to the bigger picture. What is unfolding? What is needing attention? How are the systemic dynamics guiding us to foster its evolution? This adds INSIGHT and yields Systemic Perspective Awareness.

When colleagues have conflicting opinions on a project, it's essential to facilitate a constructive dialogue where everyone feels heard. Start by acknowledging the diversity of opinions as a strength that can lead to innovative solutions. Encourage an open discussion where each person can present their views and reasoning. Use active listening to ensure understanding and respect among all parties. Seek common ground or compromise where possible, and consider involving a neutral mediator if the conflict persists. Focusing on the project's objectives and how best to achieve them can help realign everyone's efforts toward a collaborative solution.

Conflicting opinions often arise from unclear goals. Restating objectives ensures alignment on what success entails, highlighting misalignments and fostering a shared focus. This shared understanding encourages colleagues to consider how their ideas contribute to the common goal, fostering collaboration. Technique that i prefer: Goal Visualization. - Clearly define and document project objectives. - Visualize these goals in a shared space for easy reference. - Regularly review and adjust goals as needed, keeping the team aligned. This approach clarifies expectations and promotes unity, guiding collective efforts towards success.

What has worked for me is applying the 10% approach. Find the 10% in everyone's view or opinion that you agree with. This encourages the focus on finding commonalities. It means you are looking for the interests that will open up the minds and hearts of all.

Reaching a decision after extensive discussion marks a pivotal moment. If a consensus can't be achieved, the responsibility often lies with you or a chosen leader to make the final choice. It's vital that this decision reflects the project's best interests. Equally important is clear communication with the team about the rationale behind the chosen direction. This ensures that, despite potential initial disagreements, the team unites under a decision that, while possibly not everyone's first choice, is collectively recognized as the most beneficial path forward for the project. This approach fosters a sense of unity and purpose, emphasizing the project's success over individual preferences.

After reaching a decision, it's crucial to outline the next steps and assign clear responsibilities to maintain momentum and ensure effective implementation. Acknowledging everyone's contributions and the value of diverse opinions sets a positive precedent for future collaboration. Technique: Action Plan Creation. - Detail the immediate actions to be taken post-decision. - Assign tasks with clear deadlines and owners. - Recognize contributions, fostering a culture of appreciation. This structured approach keeps the team focused and appreciative, driving forward with clarity and mutual respect.

Whenever I noticed conflict during a project I used to sit everyone together to step back and observe the situation from an observer point is view. I guided them back to the purpose of the project, what are we doing the project, beyond the outcome we want with the project, understand the why behind it can shift the mindset from - “I want to deliver the best project myself and expose myself with it” to “we have a great responsibility with this project since it will impact X with Y outcome, we are bringing such a value with it!”. With this approach you change from an ego perspective into a eco perspective where you bring a system thinking to project that can bring a strong empowerment to the team with a need for a sense of collaboration!

It can be helpful to start a role play and reflect together about different perspectives. So it gains distance from the issue they resist against and helps to keep it going to solve and to work together although there are some differences.