How can you resolve conflicts between stakeholders with different priorities?

1 Identify the sources of conflict

The first step to resolving conflicts is to understand what is causing them. Miscommunication, divergent interests, lack of trust, power imbalances, and external factors can all contribute to conflicts. Identifying the sources of conflict helps to clarify the issues, interests, and needs of each stakeholder so that they can be addressed appropriately. For example, understanding the project's objectives, roles, responsibilities, and expectations; exploring the values and agendas of stakeholders; and assessing the impact of external factors on the project's resources, timeline, and outcomes are all important steps in this process.

3 Seek common ground and mutual benefits

The third step to resolving conflicts is to seek common ground and mutual benefits among the stakeholders. Common ground refers to the shared goals, values, or interests that unite the stakeholders and motivate them to cooperate. Mutual benefits refer to the positive outcomes that each stakeholder can gain from the project or the resolution of the conflict. By seeking common ground and mutual benefits, you can foster a collaborative and win-win mindset among the stakeholders and create a sense of shared purpose and value.

4 Generate and evaluate options

The fourth step to resolving conflicts is to generate and evaluate options for the project or the conflict resolution. Options are the possible ways or actions that the stakeholders can take to achieve their goals, meet their needs, or address their issues. Generating options means brainstorming and proposing as many ideas as possible, without criticizing or rejecting them at first. Evaluating options means assessing and comparing the pros and cons of each option, based on the criteria of feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness. By generating and evaluating options, you can expand the range of possibilities and find the best solutions for the project or the conflict.

5 Negotiate and agree on a solution

The fifth step to resolving conflicts is to negotiate and agree on a solution for the project or the conflict resolution. Negotiating means discussing and bargaining over the options, while considering the interests and needs of each stakeholder. Agreeing means reaching a consensus or a compromise that satisfies all or most of the stakeholders. By negotiating and agreeing on a solution, you can finalize the project's objectives, roles, responsibilities, expectations, and outcomes, and resolve the conflict in a fair and mutually beneficial way.

6 Implement and monitor the solution

The sixth and final step to resolving conflicts is to implement and monitor the solution for the project or the conflict resolution. Implementing means putting the solution into action, following the agreed-upon plan, and delivering the expected results. Monitoring means tracking and evaluating the progress and performance of the project or the solution, and providing feedback and support to the stakeholders. By implementing and monitoring the solution, you can ensure the success and sustainability of the project or the conflict resolution, and prevent or address any potential issues or challenges that may arise.