Learn how landscape architects can navigate conflicts in project meetings with effective resolution strategies and communication tips.

Listen more, say less. That is a good rule to follow, but once you have listened it is also helpful to try and bring the discussion back to common ground while not avoiding the points of disagreement.

Last updated on Aug 11, 2024

You're facing conflict in a project meeting. How can you navigate tense situations as a landscape architect?

In landscape architecture, conflict during project meetings can be as much a part of the job as selecting the right plants or designing a sustainable water feature. Whether it's a disagreement over design elements, clashes with clients' expectations, or internal team disputes, navigating these tense situations requires a blend of empathy, strategy, and communication skills. Understanding how to manage conflict effectively can keep your project on track and ensure that all parties involved are working towards a harmonious and successful outcome.

1 Stay Calm

When faced with conflict, your first instinct might be to react emotionally. However, as a landscape architect, it's crucial to remain calm and composed. Take deep breaths and give yourself a moment to collect your thoughts before responding. This composure will not only help you think more clearly but also set a professional tone for the rest of the meeting. Remember, the way you handle these first moments can significantly influence the direction of the conversation.

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Jorge Xguilar

Dr. MDI. Arq. | Constructor Proyectista | BIM LEAN AEC Manager | EDAI Especialista Formulación y Diseño Arquitectónico Infraestruct | Miembro Comité Nacional Innovación CAP | PMI Member | AI Educator Architectural Design
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Busca puntos en común: Identifica áreas de acuerdo y construye sobre ellas. Esto puede ayudar a encontrar soluciones que satisfagan a todas las partes. Flexibilidad y compromiso: Estar dispuesto a comprometerse y encontrar soluciones intermedias puede ser clave para resolver conflictos.

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Howard Lancaster

Landscaper
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Whilst countenancing a calm demeanor threatening those who oppose you with a pitchfork would hold you in good stand to win the argument !

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2 Listen Actively

Active listening is vital in understanding the root of the conflict. Pay close attention to what others are saying without interrupting. Acknowledge their perspectives by nodding or paraphrasing their points to show you're engaged. This respectful approach can de-escalate tensions and open the door to finding common ground. Sometimes, simply feeling heard can significantly reduce the other party's frustration and make them more receptive to collaborative problem-solving.

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Jim Strozier, FAICP

Principal at Consensus Planning, Inc.
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Listen more, say less. That is a good rule to follow, but once you have listened it is also helpful to try and bring the discussion back to common ground while not avoiding the points of disagreement.

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3 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is your best tool for resolving misunderstandings. Articulate your thoughts concisely and avoid using jargon that may confuse non-professionals. When discussing technical aspects of landscape architecture, such as site analysis or ecological considerations, ensure that everyone has a basic understanding. Use simple visuals or analogies if necessary to make complex ideas more accessible. This clarity helps prevent further confusion and keeps the discussion focused on solutions.

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4 Seek Common Ground

Finding common ground is essential for moving past conflict. Identify shared objectives or values that everyone agrees on, such as the desire for a sustainable design or the importance of meeting budget constraints. Highlighting these shared goals can shift the focus from individual differences to collective interests. As a landscape architect, you can steer the conversation towards how each proposed solution aligns with these common interests.

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5 Propose Solutions

Once you've listened and found common ground, it's time to propose solutions. Offer multiple options when possible, which demonstrates flexibility and a willingness to collaborate. Be open to modifying your design proposals or project plans to accommodate others' concerns while still achieving the project's core objectives. This solution-oriented mindset can turn adversarial positions into cooperative problem-solving efforts.

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Alison Pockat

Owner: Alison A. Pockat, ASLA, Landscape Architect
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Quite often in a project meeting the conflict is between a reviewer and their interpretation of the Code and the developer and his interpretation of the Code. The key here is that both are interpreting the Code. The Code is not a hard and fast entity. It is not unusual for both to be at least partially correct. As the designer, you are in the unique position to see this and to propose possible scenarios that utilize elements of both sides. That kind of a solution typically satisfies all parties involved.

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6 Follow Up

After the meeting, follow up with a summary of the resolutions and any agreed-upon action items. This step ensures that everyone is on the same page and reinforces the collaborative efforts made during the meeting. It also provides a reference point for future discussions and helps maintain the momentum towards resolving the conflict. As a landscape architect, your attention to detail in follow-up can solidify the trust and cooperation needed for successful project completion.

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Jesús Escribano

Paisajista - Diseñador
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Esta parte es la más esencial en cualquier conflicto. Una vez que se han establecido los acuerdos hay que comprobar que se cumplan, realizando revisiones y visitas periódicas al jardín para verificar que todo sigue la línea de lo que hay establecido. No vale para nada llegar a un acuerdo y después no cumplir los objetivos.

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You're facing conflict in a project meeting. How can you navigate tense situations as a landscape architect?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Stay Calm

2 Listen Actively

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Seek Common Ground

5 Propose Solutions

6 Follow Up

Landscape Architecture

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You're facing conflict in a project meeting. How can you navigate tense situations as a landscape architect?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Stay Calm

2 Listen Actively

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Seek Common Ground

5 Propose Solutions

6 Follow Up

Landscape Architecture

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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