Last updated on Aug 17, 2024

Program managers clash over grant project impacts. How will you navigate the conflicting views?

When navigating the complex world of grant administration, you may find yourself caught between program managers with conflicting views on project impacts. It's a challenging situation, but with the right approach, you can steer through these choppy waters effectively. Understanding each manager's perspective, finding common ground, and fostering open communication are key to resolving these clashes and ensuring that the grant's objectives are met successfully. Remember, your role is to balance differing opinions and guide the project to a successful conclusion that satisfies all stakeholders.

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1 Assess Views

To begin resolving conflicts between program managers, start by assessing each manager's views on the grant project's impacts. Listen attentively to their concerns and the outcomes they expect. This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of where their opinions diverge. By acknowledging the validity of each perspective, you create an atmosphere of respect that serves as the foundation for finding a resolution. It's crucial to remain neutral and avoid taking sides, as your goal is to facilitate a solution that aligns with the grant's intended purpose.

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Fred Klok

A knowledge seeking individual, driven by challenges and experiences. Working on Diversity and Social Justice.
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My worry with this article is that this often falls outside the remit of the Grant Manager's role. However, where possible, you would listen to each program manager and clearly define both their differences and their common ground.

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2 Identify Goals

After understanding the differing perspectives, the next step is to identify the overarching goals of the grant project. These goals are the benchmarks against which all decisions should be measured. By focusing on what the grant aims to achieve, you can redirect the conversation from personal viewpoints to what best serves the project's objectives. This common ground becomes the basis for negotiation, helping program managers to see beyond their individual preferences and work towards a unified strategy.

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Fred Klok

A knowledge seeking individual, driven by challenges and experiences. Working on Diversity and Social Justice.
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Firstly, you must go back to the goals of the company itself, and derive the "sub-goals" for the relevant departments. Obviously, different departments have (or interpret) goals differently. From the start, it is good to ensure everyone is on the same page, regarding the main goal, even if this is outside the remit of the grant itself.

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3 Foster Dialogue

Fostering open dialogue between conflicting parties is essential in grant administration. Encourage program managers to express their viewpoints in a structured environment where each voice is heard. This not only helps in airing out disagreements but also paves the way for collaborative problem-solving. During these discussions, it's important for you to facilitate the conversation, ensuring that it remains constructive and focused on finding a mutually beneficial resolution.

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Fred Klok

A knowledge seeking individual, driven by challenges and experiences. Working on Diversity and Social Justice.
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Fostering dialogue can be extremely difficult, especialy if both managers are career focussed alpha persons (or other difficult traits). I strongly believe that you need to be very aware of your own abilities, and be honest about maybe not being able to facilitate this. Then, ask help from your manager. In addition, it may not be the best idea to have them both in the same room.

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4 Explore Alternatives

Exploring alternative approaches is a constructive way to resolve differences. When program managers clash over grant project impacts, suggest brainstorming sessions to generate a range of potential solutions. This process allows for creative thinking and may lead to innovative strategies that satisfy all parties. It's important to remain open-minded and consider each alternative without bias, as the best solution may be one that combines elements from different proposals.

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5 Build Consensus

Building consensus is a critical step in navigating conflicting views among program managers. Through negotiation and compromise, aim to develop a plan that incorporates the most vital aspects of each manager's vision while staying true to the grant's objectives. It is a delicate balancing act that requires patience and diplomacy. The consensus should be seen as a win-win situation, where everyone feels their input has been valued and the project's integrity is maintained.

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6 Implement Decision

Once a consensus is reached, it's time to implement the decision. Ensure that all program managers are on board with the final plan and understand their roles in its execution. Clear communication about how the decision was made and why it’s beneficial for the grant project can help to alleviate any lingering concerns. Effective implementation is about maintaining the momentum of consensus and steering the project towards its successful completion, with all managers working collaboratively towards the shared goals.

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Program managers clash over grant project impacts. How will you navigate the conflicting views?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess Views

2 Identify Goals

3 Foster Dialogue

4 Explore Alternatives

5 Build Consensus

6 Implement Decision

Grant Administration

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Program managers clash over grant project impacts. How will you navigate the conflicting views?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess Views

2 Identify Goals

3 Foster Dialogue

4 Explore Alternatives

5 Build Consensus

6 Implement Decision

Grant Administration

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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