You're co-authoring thought leadership with an industry influencer. How do you handle differing opinions?
Working with an industry influencer on thought leadership can be incredibly rewarding, but differing opinions are inevitable. Balancing these differences is key to a successful partnership. Here are some strategies:
What strategies have worked for you in collaborative projects?
You're co-authoring thought leadership with an industry influencer. How do you handle differing opinions?
Working with an industry influencer on thought leadership can be incredibly rewarding, but differing opinions are inevitable. Balancing these differences is key to a successful partnership. Here are some strategies:
What strategies have worked for you in collaborative projects?
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When co-authoring The Unfair Advantage, differing opinions weren’t obstacles—they were opportunities to make the book stronger. The key was staying focused on the vision. If an idea didn’t serve the reader, we dropped it. We also played to our strengths: I led on writing and concept development, while my co-author brought his expertise. I listened openly but pushed back when it mattered. Collaboration isn’t about avoiding conflict—it’s about using it to sharpen the final product.
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“Great minds think differently!” Embrace the debate! Use differing opinions as a launchpad for deeper insights. Listen actively, find common ground, and let your contrasting views create a more robust narrative. After all, the best ideas often emerge from a little friendly friction!
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From my experience, here’s how I approach co-authoring with industry leaders when opinions differ: 1. Value Diverse Insights: I see differing views as a way to explore new angles and challenge my assumptions. 2. Seek the “Why”: Understanding the reasoning behind each perspective often reveals startup-specific insights I might’ve missed. 3. Align on Core Themes: Rather than debating, I aim to agree on the core message that resonates with our audience. 4. Stay Respectful & Flexible: I respect their expertise and remain adaptable. This openness strengthens the collaboration and the final outcome.
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Navigating differing opinions with an influencer demands balance and openness. Start by actively listening to their perspective; acknowledge their expertise to build rapport. Instead of framing disagreements as oppositional, explore them as diverse insights that enhance the piece. Use data or examples to support your views and suggest compromise by merging perspectives in a way that appeals to your shared audience. If the disparity is too vast, propose including both viewpoints as complementary rather than conflicting ideas, enriching the article’s value. This approach shows respect, preserves the influencer’s voice, and showcases a well-rounded thought piece that speaks to the nuances of the industry.
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Differing opinions is a blessing, whereas diversity and sharing views on the thought leadership topic from various angles is enriching.. Transparency in presenting the different views is essential in a scientific frame, whereas the thesis is reflect the core objective of the research work along with the findings ! Each partner shall powerfully present his view whilst respecting the other partners’ view point with scientific reference and the thesis shall benefit from the enrichment accordingly!!
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I consider different opinions the opportunity to grow during collaboration with an industry influencer. Listen first-ways to understand their point of view without trying to introduce mine right away. Then, when possible, look for a middle point in such a way that the insights can complement each other without having to compete. If it requires compromise, I'll push to get a true compromise that holds on to our integrity in our shared message and shows respect for each other's viewpoints. After all, that's what collaboration - finding synergy, not winning arguments.
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