You’re dealing with a difficult stakeholder. How can you find common ground?

1 Identify the root cause

Before you try to resolve any disagreement, you need to understand what is causing it. Is it a lack of communication, trust, or respect? Is it a difference in perspective, interest, or goal? Is it a misunderstanding, misalignment, or mistake? By asking yourself and your stakeholder these questions, you can uncover the underlying issues and motivations that are driving the conflict. This will help you avoid assumptions, judgments, and emotions that can cloud your judgment and escalate the situation.

2 Listen actively and empathetically

One of the most important skills for finding common ground is listening. Listening is not just hearing what your stakeholder says, but also paying attention to how they say it, what they mean, and how they feel. Listening actively means asking open-ended questions, clarifying points, summarizing key messages, and acknowledging emotions. Listening empathetically means showing genuine interest, respect, and compassion for your stakeholder's views, values, and needs. By listening actively and empathetically, you can demonstrate that you care about your stakeholder and that you are willing to understand their perspective.

3 Seek mutual benefits and trade-offs

Finding common ground does not mean that you have to agree on everything or compromise your own interests. It means that you have to find a way to align your interests with your stakeholder's interests and create value for both parties. To do this, you need to identify the areas of agreement and disagreement, the common and conflicting goals, and the potential benefits and costs of each option. Then, you need to negotiate and collaborate with your stakeholder to find a solution that meets both of your needs and expectations. This may involve making trade-offs, concessions, or adjustments, but also finding opportunities for synergy, innovation, or improvement.

4 Communicate clearly and respectfully

The way you communicate with your stakeholder can make or break your relationship. You need to communicate clearly and respectfully, using positive and constructive language, tone, and body language. You need to avoid blaming, criticizing, or attacking your stakeholder, and instead focus on expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs in a respectful and assertive way. You also need to avoid defensive or aggressive reactions, and instead respond calmly and rationally to your stakeholder's feedback, concerns, or objections. By communicating clearly and respectfully, you can build trust, rapport, and credibility with your stakeholder.

5 Follow up and follow through

The last step to finding common ground is to follow up and follow through with your stakeholder. You need to confirm your agreement, document your actions, and monitor your progress. You also need to keep your stakeholder informed, involved, and appreciated throughout the process. You need to provide updates, seek feedback, and acknowledge achievements. You also need to address any issues, challenges, or changes that may arise along the way. By following up and follow through, you can ensure that your agreement is implemented effectively and that your relationship is maintained and strengthened.

Finding common ground with a difficult stakeholder may not be easy, but it is worth the effort. By applying these tips, you can overcome conflict and foster a positive and productive partnership that benefits your business and your CSR strategy.