You're having trouble with a web application development vendor. What's the best way to resolve the conflict?

1 Identify the root cause

The first step to resolving any conflict is to understand what is causing it. Is it a technical issue, a communication issue, a contractual issue, or a personal issue? For example, if your vendor is delivering buggy code, is it because they lack the skills, the resources, the testing tools, or the feedback? If your vendor is missing deadlines, is it because they underestimated the work, they faced unexpected challenges, they had other priorities, or they were distracted? Try to get to the bottom of the problem by asking open-ended questions, listening actively, and avoiding assumptions.

3 Negotiate a win-win solution

The third step to resolving any conflict is to negotiate a solution that satisfies both parties and aligns with the project objectives. Start by identifying the common ground and the mutual interests that you and your vendor share, such as delivering a high-quality web application, meeting the deadlines, satisfying the users, and maintaining a good relationship. Then, brainstorm possible options and alternatives that can address the issues and meet the needs of both sides. For example, you may agree to adjust the scope, the timeline, the budget, the quality standards, or the payment terms. Evaluate the pros and cons of each option, and select the one that is most feasible and beneficial for both parties.

4 Implement and monitor the solution

The fourth step to resolving any conflict is to implement the agreed solution and monitor its progress and results. Make sure that both you and your vendor understand and commit to the solution, and that you have a clear action plan with specific tasks, responsibilities, deadlines, and deliverables. Communicate regularly and frequently with your vendor, and provide feedback and support along the way. Track and measure the performance and quality of the web application development, and report any issues or changes as soon as possible. Celebrate the milestones and achievements, and appreciate your vendor's work and cooperation.

5 Learn and improve

The fifth step to resolving any conflict is to learn from the experience and improve your web application development process and relationship with your vendor. After the project is completed, conduct a post-mortem analysis with your vendor, and identify what went well, what went wrong, and what can be improved. Share your feedback and lessons learned, and solicit your vendor's feedback and suggestions. Recognize and appreciate your vendor's strengths and contributions, and address any gaps or weaknesses. Apply the best practices and avoid the pitfalls in your future web application projects, and maintain a positive and productive relationship with your vendor.

6 Prevent future conflicts

The sixth and final step to resolving any conflict is to prevent or minimize future conflicts with your web application development vendor. To do this, you need to establish clear and realistic expectations, requirements, and specifications for your web application project from the start, and involve your vendor in the planning and scoping process. You also need to create and sign a detailed and comprehensive contract with your vendor, that covers the scope, timeline, budget, quality, payment, communication, change management, dispute resolution, and termination clauses. You also need to communicate regularly and effectively with your vendor, and provide feedback and guidance throughout the project lifecycle. Finally, you need to build trust and rapport with your vendor, and treat them as a partner and not as an adversary.

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?