Team leaders are at odds over project direction. How do you navigate conflicting viewpoints to drive success?

Start by acknowledging the issues at hand. Listen actively to each leader’s perspective and validate their concerns. For example, if one leader advocates for a conservative approach while another pushes for innovation, recognize the merits of both viewpoints. Express understanding of their positions and highlight how each perspective contributes to the project’s goals. Facilitate a discussion to explore how to integrate these viewpoints into a cohesive strategy. By acknowledging the issues and fostering collaboration, you can guide the team towards a unified, successful direction.

"Who has the juice?" This is the person ultimately responsible for the outcome. This is also the person who gets the final say on direction. If the other team leaders disagree on direction, then bring everyone together and have a group discussion. When you bring everyone together, get insights from each team leader on 1) what you know, 2) what you need to know and 3) ideal direction. Create a format where you can have both structure and open dialogue. This way everyone has input. Once you get everyone's input, get everyone to agree to move forward in the same direction. Leave the meeting. Consider everyone's input. Share the direction that you've chosen for team success. Then pursue that direction for success.

Evaluate the objectives of each approach. For instance, if one leader advocates for a conservative approach while another pushes for innovation, assess how each strategy meets the project's goals. Consider the potential benefits of the conservative approach, such as lower risk and steady results, versus the innovative strategy's potential for high rewards and market disruption. Compare these outcomes against the project’s objectives, like budget and impact. By evaluating how each approach aligns with the project's goals, you can guide the team towards a well-informed and effective decision.

Encourage open dialogue to find out whether the approach can be implemented or not. For example, if one leader advocates for a conservative approach while another pushes for innovation, create a space for both to present their arguments and discuss their merits. Facilitate a meeting where each leader can explain the benefits and potential risks of their strategy. Encourage questions and feedback from other team members to foster a balanced discussion. By promoting open communication, you can help identify common ground, integrate valuable insights from both viewpoints, and drive the project forward successfully.

When one leader advocates for a conservative approach while another pushes for innovation, suggest a phased approach. Start with a conservative strategy to ensure stability and mitigate risk, then gradually introduce innovative elements to test new ideas. This allows the team to benefit from both viewpoints, balancing risk with potential rewards. By proposing a solution that incorporates elements of both strategies, you can address concerns from both leaders and move the project forward effectively.

When one leader supports a conservative approach while another pushes for innovation, hold a collaborative meeting to discuss both strategies. Review the merits of each approach, such as stability versus potential high rewards. Encourage input from team members and stakeholders to weigh the pros and cons. Make a decision that integrates elements from both viewpoints, ensuring a balanced approach. This collective decision-making process helps unify the team and drives the project towards a successful outcome.