Handling conflict over risk priorities in a cross-functional team requires a structured approach. Facilitate a meeting where each team member can present their perspective on risks and their impact. Use a risk matrix to objectively evaluate and compare risks based on data and evidence. Highlight the importance of aligning risk priorities with the project's overall goals. Encourage collaborative problem-solving to find common ground and compromise. If needed, involve a neutral third party to mediate the discussion. By fostering open communication and transparency, you can resolve conflicts and align the team on risk priorities.

To resolve cross-functional conflicts on risk priorities, we should implement a Risk Arbitration Framework: 1. Weighted Scoring Model: We have each team score risks against standardised criteria (e.g., financial impact, customer trust, operational disruption), ensuring objective prioritisation. 2. Risk Auction Exercise: Here we give each team limited "risk tokens" to allocate on what they believe are the highest-priority risks. This fosters collaboration and forces trade-off discussions. 3. Consensus Heatmap: We visualise agreed-upon risks vs. contested ones, focusing discussions on areas of divergence while aligning on shared priorities.

I’d start by facilitating an open discussion where everyone shares their perspectives on the risks. I’d focus on aligning the team by connecting risk priorities to our overall objectives, using data to back decisions wherever possible. If needed, I’d bring in a neutral third party or an external framework to guide us. The key is fostering collaboration, ensuring everyone feels heard, and driving toward a decision that balances diverse viewpoints with strategic goals.

Managing a cross-functional team is a challenge under any scenario, let alone situations where the priorities are not aligned between the team. If you are managing a team where priorities related to risk are not aligned between the team members, you as a team lead have to be and also seen as being objective and neutral with out any bias for any function or team member before setting up the ground rules for identifying what constitutes the risk and the basis for prioritising risk in to high, medium and low. As a leader you need to encourage your team members to provide their view point, as having multi functional team can provide completely diverse perspecitve

In scenarios, where team is not agreeing on the risk priority, facilitating an open discussion is key. While doing so, few ground rules need to be established: 1. To respect each team member’s point of view. 2. Allowing everyone to voice their opinion and not bringing in bias of few loudest voices in the room. 3. Decision made at the end of the meeting would be final and considered as collective decision. With this, each team member should be allowed time to voice their opinion and give their risk priority ranking. At the end of the meeting, there would be clear risk ranking based on popular vote and logical backing