Last updated on Aug 25, 2024

Your stakeholder challenges your authority in front of the project team. How will you assert your leadership?

Key takeaways from this article

Directly address challenges:

When your leadership is questioned, tackle it head-on with clear communication. By explaining your reasoning and decision-making process, you reassure the team of your capabilities.
Foster open dialogue:

Encourage the stakeholder to share their perspective. This shows respect for their insights and can lead to a collaborative solution that reinforces your leadership while building trust.

This summary is powered by AI and these experts

When a stakeholder questions your authority, it's critical to respond in a way that maintains respect and control. To assert your leadership effectively:

- Address the challenge promptly and directly, clarifying your position with confidence.

- Maintain professionalism, keeping the conversation focused on the project goals.

- Seek understanding, asking for the stakeholder's perspective to foster collaboration.

How do you handle such situations to reinforce your leadership?

Add your perspective

Dolorosa Duncan

m-mama Country Director|| Social entrepreneur|| Leader|| Founder|| Eisenhower Fellow|| Emerging Voice for Global Health|| Board member
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That's a comprehensive approach to addressing challenges to your authority Rui. By remaining calm, professional, and focused on the project's goals, you can effectively navigate difficult situations and maintain your leadership position. It's important to remember that open communication and collaboration are key to building trust and fostering a positive team environment.

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Emilio Planas

Innovation, Sustainability, Circular Economy, Strategic Thinking , Strategic Planning ,Negotiation, Startups , International Trade, Supply Chain, Digital Business, Technology Finance Managment, Business .
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Rui, your approach to handling challenges to authority is exemplary. Addressing the issue head-on while maintaining professionalism ensures clarity and respect. Emphasizing collaboration and shared goals strengthens team unity. Your method of following up individually is key to preserving positive relationships. Well done!

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Rui Luiz Barbosa Filho, M.Sc , MBA, DASM, PMO-CP, PMP

Gerente de Projetos | Diretor | PMO | Mentor | Mestre | MBA | OKR | LSS GB | Prince2®| P3O®| MoP ®| MSP®| M_o_R®| PMI-ACP®| PMO-CP® | DASM® | PMP®
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When facing a challenge to your authority: Address the challenge directly and confidently. Maintain professionalism and focus on project objectives. Seek understanding and address stakeholder concerns. Reiterate your expertise and experience. Reinforce collaboration and the shared goal of project success. Set boundaries if necessary. Follow up privately to maintain positive relationships. By responding calmly and professionally, you reinforce your leadership and the team's confidence.

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Arpan Mukherjee

Project Management | Leadership | Policy Research I Strategic Communication | Finance | Government of Bihar | Indian Institute of Technology | Addressing Digital Divide and Knowledge Inequity
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If a stakeholder challenges your authority in front of the project team, remain calm and composed. Address the situation respectfully by acknowledging their concern and suggesting a separate discussion to avoid escalating the issue publicly. Reinforce your leadership by confidently restating the project goals, decisions, and rationale to show you are informed and prepared. After the meeting, privately discuss the stakeholder's concerns to understand their perspective and find common ground. Foster a collaborative environment by emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mutual respect. Maintain a professional demeanor to set an example for the team and reaffirm your role as the project leader.

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Manish Mahawar

Business Intelligence || Public Policy || Data Governance || Project Management || Financial Management || Economic || Prompt Engineering & Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Remain calm and professional when a stakeholder challenges your authority. Deal with the problem privately to avoid escalation. Acknowledge their input and then clearly reinforce your activities and decisions with supporting facts. Look for common ground to align with project objectives. Remind the team of agreed procedures and the importance of respecting roles. Follow up with stakeholders to ensure concerns are resolved and good working relationships are maintained. This approach demonstrates leadership while fostering collaboration and respect.

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Your stakeholder challenges your authority in front of the project team. How will you assert your leadership?

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Your stakeholder challenges your authority in front of the project team. How will you assert your leadership?

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