You're facing conflicting project approaches. How do you navigate differing opinions to achieve success?

1 Listen First

Listening is the cornerstone of resolving conflicts in project approaches. When faced with differing opinions, it's crucial to give each team member the opportunity to express their thoughts fully. This not only helps in understanding the rationale behind each approach but also makes team members feel valued and heard. Active listening involves more than just hearing words; it's about comprehending the underlying concerns and motivations. By demonstrating empathy and keeping an open mind, you can gather valuable insights and lay the groundwork for collaborative problem-solving.

2 Assess Objectively

Once all perspectives are on the table, it's important to assess each approach objectively. This means setting aside personal biases and focusing on how each strategy aligns with the project's objectives, timeline, and resources. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, and how they might impact the project's outcome. An objective assessment will help you identify the most viable options and create a shortlist of approaches that merit further consideration.

3 Encourage Dialogue

Encouraging open dialogue among team members is key to resolving conflicting approaches. Facilitate discussions where everyone can debate the merits of each strategy in a respectful and constructive manner. This exchange of ideas can lead to innovative solutions that combine the best elements of each approach. Ensure that the dialogue remains focused on the project's goals and that all participants keep an open mind to alternative viewpoints.

4 Find Common Ground

Finding common ground among conflicting approaches is essential for moving forward. Look for shared objectives or agreeable aspects within each strategy that can serve as a foundation for a unified approach. Sometimes, this may involve compromising or blending elements from different ideas. The aim is to build consensus around a common path that incorporates the most effective solutions while addressing any concerns raised by the team.

5 Decide Decisively

After thorough discussion and consideration, it's time to make a decision. As the people manager, you must weigh the input received and decide on the approach that best serves the project's needs. This decision should be communicated clearly to the team, along with the reasoning behind it. A decisive stance will provide direction and help the team transition from planning to execution, even if not everyone agrees with the final choice.

6 Implement Collaboratively

The final step is to implement the chosen approach collaboratively. Ensure that each team member understands their role in executing the strategy and feels a sense of ownership over the project's success. Providing support and resources will help maintain motivation and commitment. As the project progresses, continue to monitor its performance, remain open to adjustments, and celebrate collective achievements.