What do you do if your colleagues in Commercial Real Estate disagree with your decisions?

Commercial real estate is a competitive and complex industry, where you often have to work with colleagues who have different opinions, perspectives, and interests. Sometimes, these differences can lead to disagreements or conflicts that can affect your performance, relationships, and reputation. How can you handle these situations in a professional and constructive way? Here are some tips to help you deal with disagreements with your colleagues in commercial real estate.

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1 Identify the source of the disagreement

The first step is to understand why you and your colleague disagree on a certain issue. Is it a matter of facts, values, goals, strategies, or personalities? Are you both clear about the expectations, roles, and responsibilities of each party? Are you communicating effectively and respectfully? By identifying the source of the disagreement, you can avoid assumptions, misunderstandings, and emotional reactions that can escalate the conflict.

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Thomas Deckert

Geschäftsführer: Meine Mission ist es Lösungen für deine Probleme zu finden, von denen du noch nichts weißt.
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From my nearly 30 years of experience in this field, it is essential to identify the cause for a different perspective. After all, there may be the possibility of an alternative viewpoint that had eluded me or that I had not considered. Therefore, personal exchange is absolutely necessary.

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2 Listen and empathize

The next step is to listen to your colleague's point of view and try to empathize with their feelings and concerns. Listening does not mean agreeing, but it means showing respect and curiosity. Empathizing does not mean compromising, but it means acknowledging and validating their emotions. By listening and empathizing, you can demonstrate your willingness to cooperate and find a solution that works for both of you.

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Thomas Deckert

Geschäftsführer: Meine Mission ist es Lösungen für deine Probleme zu finden, von denen du noch nichts weißt.
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By actively listening to the different perspectives, I create a positive conversational environment. Clear, open, and transparent communication leads to an open and fair exchange.

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3 Focus on the problem, not the person

The third step is to focus on the problem, not the person. Avoid personal attacks, accusations, or judgments that can damage your colleague's trust and dignity. Instead, use objective and neutral language that describes the situation, the facts, and the impacts. For example, instead of saying "You are always late with your reports", say "When the reports are delayed, it affects our deadlines and budget". By focusing on the problem, not the person, you can avoid defensiveness and hostility and create a positive and productive atmosphere.

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4 Explore options and alternatives

The fourth step is to explore options and alternatives that can resolve the disagreement. Rather than sticking to your position or imposing your solution, invite your colleague to brainstorm and generate ideas that can meet both of your needs and interests. Be open-minded and creative, and consider the pros and cons of each option. For example, instead of saying "We have to use this vendor", say "What are some other vendors that we can consider?". By exploring options and alternatives, you can foster collaboration and innovation and find a win-win outcome.

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Thomas Deckert

Geschäftsführer: Meine Mission ist es Lösungen für deine Probleme zu finden, von denen du noch nichts weißt.
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Developing options or alternatives that colleagues can support can be influential for the team. Generally, for significant decisions, I make it a practice to engage the stakeholders beforehand. This way, I can articulate my decision criteria upfront and promptly receive relevant feedback.

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5 Negotiate and agree

The final step is to negotiate and agree on a solution that satisfies both of you. Review the options and alternatives that you have discussed, and select the one that best fits the criteria and objectives of the project. Make sure that you both understand and accept the terms and conditions of the agreement, and document it in writing if necessary. For example, instead of saying "This is the final decision", say "Are we both comfortable with this solution?". By negotiating and agreeing, you can finalize the resolution and move forward with confidence and trust.

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6 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?

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What do you do if your colleagues in Commercial Real Estate disagree with your decisions?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify the source of the disagreement

2 Listen and empathize

3 Focus on the problem, not the person

4 Explore options and alternatives

5 Negotiate and agree

6 Here’s what else to consider

Commercial Real Estate

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What do you do if your colleagues in Commercial Real Estate disagree with your decisions?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify the source of the disagreement

2 Listen and empathize

3 Focus on the problem, not the person

4 Explore options and alternatives

5 Negotiate and agree

6 Here’s what else to consider

Commercial Real Estate

Rate this article

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