Last updated on Aug 30, 2024

Your team and a senior stakeholder have conflicting priorities. How will you bridge the communication gap?

Navigating the choppy waters of conflicting priorities between your team and a senior stakeholder can be a daunting task. It's a scenario that requires finesse, strategic communication, and a deep understanding of the perspectives involved. Your role in bridging the communication gap is crucial, as it not only impacts the immediate project but also the long-term relationship between stakeholders and the team. To effectively manage these situations, you'll need to employ a series of steps, each designed to clarify objectives, align goals, and foster an environment of collaboration. Remember, the goal is not to win an argument but to find a mutually beneficial path forward that respects the contributions and concerns of all parties involved.

1 Understand Needs

To bridge the gap between your team and a senior stakeholder when priorities clash, start by thoroughly understanding each party's needs and drivers. Dive deep into what your team is trying to achieve and why it's important. Similarly, engage with the stakeholder to grasp their perspective and underlying motivations. This dual understanding is the foundation upon which you can start to identify common ground and areas of potential compromise. It's crucial to approach this step with empathy and an open mind, as recognizing the validity in both positions is the first step towards resolution.

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Tejiri Whuatorhe

DevOps Engineer || Cloud Engineer
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Communication goes beyond words or speeches or text, communication is complete when there is clear understanding demonstrated by feedback. In this case, to bridge the communication gap, there is need for clear understanding of the stakeholder's need and what my team consider as priority and then draw a conclusion which leaves both party satisfied not because either got their way but because understanding of the business objectives and goal was used as a deciding factor.

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2 Open Dialogue

Opening a dialogue is key to resolving conflicts between your team and a senior stakeholder. Arrange a meeting where both parties can express their concerns and expectations openly. Ensure that this conversation is structured to encourage active listening and understanding rather than confrontation. By facilitating a respectful and inclusive discussion, you can help both sides see the situation from the other's viewpoint, which is often instrumental in breaking down barriers and finding a path forward that satisfies both sets of priorities.

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Amanda de Oliveira
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To resolve conflicts between your team and a senior stakeholder, start by setting up a meeting where everyone can openly share their concerns and goals. Make sure the conversation is respectful and focused on listening rather than arguing. Encourage both sides to explain not just what they want, but why it's important to them. Use active listening techniques—like summarizing what the other person said—to show you understand their perspective. Create a collaborative environment by discussing possible solutions that address both parties' needs. This way, you can find a compromise that works for everyone and helps bridge the gap between conflicting priorities.

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3 Align Objectives

Once the needs are understood and dialogue has commenced, the next step is aligning objectives. This involves finding the intersection between your team's goals and the stakeholder's vision. Sometimes, this may require redefining the scope or adjusting timelines to accommodate both parties' critical requirements. The alignment process is a negotiation, requiring you to advocate for your team's needs while also being flexible enough to incorporate the stakeholder's input into a cohesive plan.

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4 Compromise Smartly

Smart compromise is essential when your team's priorities differ from those of a senior stakeholder. It's about giving ground on some aspects while standing firm on others that are non-negotiable for your team's success. To do this effectively, prioritize your team's goals and determine which ones have room for flexibility. Present these options to the stakeholder, highlighting how each compromise still advances their objectives. This demonstrates goodwill and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving.

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5 Action Plan

Developing an action plan is a tangible way to move forward after aligning objectives and agreeing on compromises. This plan should outline the steps each party will take, assign responsibilities, and set deadlines that are realistic and acceptable to both sides. It's critical to document this plan clearly and ensure that it is accessible to all involved. This not only serves as a roadmap for implementation but also as a tool for accountability, helping to keep both your team and the stakeholder on track.

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6 Follow Through

The final step in managing conflicting priorities with a senior stakeholder is to follow through on the agreed-upon action plan. Consistent communication is vital during this phase to maintain trust and ensure that any adjustments or issues are addressed promptly. Regular updates can help sustain momentum and demonstrate to the stakeholder that your team is committed to upholding its end of the bargain. Remember, successful follow-through reinforces your credibility and can strengthen the working relationship for future projects.

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Your team and a senior stakeholder have conflicting priorities. How will you bridge the communication gap?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand Needs

2 Open Dialogue

3 Align Objectives

4 Compromise Smartly

5 Action Plan

6 Follow Through

Senior Stakeholder Management

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Your team and a senior stakeholder have conflicting priorities. How will you bridge the communication gap?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand Needs

2 Open Dialogue

3 Align Objectives

4 Compromise Smartly

5 Action Plan

6 Follow Through

Senior Stakeholder Management

Rate this article

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