Last updated on Jul 8, 2024

Your team is divided on project strategies. How do you navigate conflicting viewpoints effectively?

When your team is divided on project strategies, it's like navigating a ship through stormy seas. The key is to harness the collective expertise and perspectives to find a path forward that everyone can agree on. This requires a blend of strong interpersonal skills and a strategic approach to conflict resolution. Here's how you can effectively navigate conflicting viewpoints within your team, ensuring that every voice is heard and the best possible strategy is chosen.

Find expert answers in this collaborative article

Selected by the community from 5 contributions. Learn more

1 Listen First

Active listening is the cornerstone of resolving conflicts. When faced with divided opinions, encourage each team member to express their viewpoint without interruption. By truly listening, you acknowledge their concerns and make them feel valued. This creates an environment where everyone is more open to collaboration and compromise. Remember, it's not just about hearing words; it's about understanding the message behind them and the emotions that come with it.

Add your perspective

Nelisiwe Daphney Dlamini

Youth Mentor|Teacher| LinkedInTop Interpersonal skills Voice| Andragogist | Treasurer at Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries| Unregistered Diploma in Psychology Holder | Altruist | Athlete
Report contribution
Listening is a leaders skills. A leader who can not listen can not solve conflict. We say this because if a leader listened properly they will be able to get both sides of the story and judge properly where they are supposed to judge and give a chance where they are supposed to give a chance.

Like
Sonia Dubey Dewan, AICI CIP

Founder & CEO @ ISIM | Leading India's Image Revolution | Global Personal Brand Strategist | India Chair -G100 L&E | WICCI Image Consulting India President | Intl Keynote Speaker | Philanthropist
Report contribution
Navigate conflicting viewpoints effectively by facilitating open dialogue, actively listening to all perspectives, seeking common ground, encouraging compromise, and making decisions based on consensus whenever possible, ensuring alignment with project goals and team cohesion.

Like

Load more contributions

2 Clarify Goals

To move forward, it's essential to clarify the team's common goals. Often, conflicting strategies stem from a misalignment of objectives. Ensure that everyone is on the same page by restating the project's primary goals and how each proposed strategy aligns with these objectives. This can help to refocus discussions and highlight the shared purpose that unites the team, making it easier to evaluate the merit of each strategy in the context of these goals.

Add your perspective

Nelisiwe Daphney Dlamini

Youth Mentor|Teacher| LinkedInTop Interpersonal skills Voice| Andragogist | Treasurer at Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries| Unregistered Diploma in Psychology Holder | Altruist | Athlete
Report contribution
That's very correct. Many people start of a job without clearly understanding goals, but simply because they want to have a job. It is a common error which unfortunately ends up causing conflict and needing resolutions like these.

Like

3 Respect Differences

Valuing each team member's unique perspective is vital. Differences in opinion are not just obstacles; they can be sources of innovation and strength. Show respect for all suggestions and strive to understand the rationale behind them. This respect fosters trust and encourages a more open exchange of ideas, which can lead to more creative and effective solutions.

Add your perspective

Nelisiwe Daphney Dlamini

Youth Mentor|Teacher| LinkedInTop Interpersonal skills Voice| Andragogist | Treasurer at Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries| Unregistered Diploma in Psychology Holder | Altruist | Athlete
Report contribution
Well this one needs a deeper deduction skill because many problem solvers tend to take the side which they favour or let me say which they understand. I am usually a complicated person and when it comes to people taking a decision for me, they always throw me in the dustbin because they do not understand my side of the story.

Like

4 Seek Consensus

Striving for a consensus doesn't mean seeking unanimous agreement on every detail; rather, it's about finding a strategy that everyone can support. Facilitate a dialogue where each viewpoint is considered, and compromises are made where necessary. This may involve blending elements from different strategies to create a hybrid approach. The goal is to arrive at a decision that, even if not the first choice for some, is something the whole team can commit to.

Add your perspective

5 Provide Leadership

In times of division, your role in providing clear leadership is crucial. Lead by example, demonstrating how to engage in constructive debate and showing a willingness to adapt your own views. Your calm demeanor and steadfast focus on the project's success can help to guide the team through choppy waters. When necessary, be prepared to make tough decisions to keep the project on track, always with the team's best interests in mind.

Add your perspective

6 Follow Through

After a strategy has been agreed upon, it's important to follow through with clear action steps. Ensure that each team member understands their role in implementing the strategy and that there are mechanisms in place to monitor progress and address any issues that arise. Consistent follow-through reinforces the team's commitment to the chosen path and helps maintain momentum towards achieving the project's objectives.

Add your perspective

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?

Add your perspective

Your team is divided on project strategies. How do you navigate conflicting viewpoints effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Listen First

2 Clarify Goals

3 Respect Differences

4 Seek Consensus

5 Provide Leadership

6 Follow Through

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Interpersonal Skills

More relevant reading

Your team is divided on project strategies. How do you navigate conflicting viewpoints effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Listen First

2 Clarify Goals

3 Respect Differences

4 Seek Consensus

5 Provide Leadership

6 Follow Through

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills