Here's how you can navigate conflicts stemming from creative differences in event production.

Navigating conflicts in creative direction during event production can be challenging, but embracing dialogue is key. Dialogue is an open and respectful exchange of ideas where everyone listens actively and shares perspectives honestly. This method is crucial because it fosters mutual understanding and collaboration. Always know your position in the conversation and speak with integrity and respect, ensuring your contributions are authentic and constructive. Prioritize the event’s objectives above individual preferences by aligning on a shared vision. When everyone is committed to the same goal, it’s easier to find common ground and make decisions that benefit the event’s success.

Hey #LinkedIn, This is a really good question and has many answers. How to embrace dialogue, well, firstly I believe that it's crucial that all parties understand that the greater good needs to be the main focus, with the Customer being the major benefactor, the company second and the individual last. But being respectful is the most important part. I've been involved in many dialogues in recent times about very difficult and sensitive topics, I always lead with compassion, regardless of how "Right" I am. It's imperative to listen to anyone that is taking the time to speak, as they might just have a point, it doesn't mean that either of you are right or wrong, just differing opinions. There is a huge discussion around this point.

Acredito que usar técnicas de brainstorming sejam cruciais para mediar as diferenças. Desta forma, ter regras básicas e metas definidas é importante para evitar conflitos. Mas o diálogo é a única ferramenta para solucionar e viabilizar.

Task-based conflicts arise from the way each team member completes their section of the work on a shared project. These can be disagreements about what part of a project to work on, when certain aspects of a project can finish, and who is meant to complete each individual task. Team members might disagree about how to divide work, or they might argue about the best way to complete a particular task. Effective teams rely on each other and build towards common goals, but task-based conflicts can interrupt and hinder this process.

In my experience, when planning an event, differences in artistic vision are inevitable. I once worked on a large-scale production where the lighting designer and the sound engineer had contrasting ideas about the show's atmosphere. Instead of letting tensions escalate, we scheduled a meeting where everyone could present their viewpoints. This not only allowed each team member to feel heard but also uncovered creative solutions we hadn’t initially considered. By acknowledging each party’s ideas and perspectives, we fostered a collaborative environment. Remember to listen actively and validate others' contributions; this approach builds trust and respect, paving the way for finding common ground and shared goals.

Siempre es acertado escuchar a todos los miembros que conforman el equipo da igual en qué plano de la producción del evento ejerza su labor. A veces el “objetivo” se ve mejor de fuera por ojos que no están contaminados por los conflictos que puedan haber dentro.

En mi opinión, cuando una marca trabaja una gran idea o un gran mantra, define objetivos claros Pero a la hora de hacer que una activación sea brillante, la echa por la borda cuando licita las activaciones y encarga a la agencia X o la Y y muchas veces por costos, destrozando la gran idea porque las agencias de BTL no tienen el objetivo claro de la marca o la recortan de tal manera que diluyen la fuerza del mantra.

In my experience, having a well-articulated goal can help steer the team in the same direction. During a concert production, we faced a significant disagreement between the stage designer and the visual effects team about the show’s aesthetic. To address this, we revisited our core objectives: creating an immersive experience that matched the artist’s vision while staying within budget constraints. By focusing on these key goals, we were able to align our creative efforts and prioritize decisions that best served our overarching mission. Defining clear objectives helps ensure that all team members are working towards a unified vision, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and facilitating smoother collaboration.

Interesa que cada uno entienda y asuma que su función y su labor en el Equipo es super importante para que el objetivo se logre. Los equipos se conforman con personas multidisciplinares que aportan para llegar a un mismo fin

Crie uma documentação e, com ela em mãos, defina uma reunião inicial, delimite e apresente os objetivos do evento, e quais serão os resultados esperados.  Ao longo do cronograma, crie reuniões para discussão do andamento, faça revisões periódicas e abra para que todos possam opinar sempre.

In my experience, finding a middle ground can often lead to innovative solutions that satisfy all parties involved. For instance, during a corporate event production, there was a clash between the audio-visual team and the set designers over the placement of LED walls. Each team had valid reasons for their preferences, but their needs seemed mutually exclusive. We decided to hold a brainstorming session where each team presented their flexible points. Through this collaborative effort, we discovered a layout that met the critical needs of both teams while enhancing the overall event design. Compromise doesn’t mean sacrificing quality; it’s about integrating the best ideas from each perspective to create a cohesive and successful outcome.

Diante do planejamento, identifique as prioridades, proponha soluções e escute o que todos pensam.  Siga o projeto, mantendo os objetivos e focos, e se desviar, lembre a todos qual é o ponto-chave. E cada fase demonstre apreço, apontando os acertos de todos.

Involving a neutral third party can provide fresh insights and facilitate fair resolutions. During a high-profile fashion show, the creative director and the lead stylist had a major disagreement over the thematic direction of the event. The tensions were high, and progress was stalled. We brought in an experienced event consultant to mediate the discussions. The consultant helped both parties articulate their concerns and explore alternative solutions. Ultimately, this process led to a hybrid theme that incorporated elements from both visions, satisfying both the creative director and the stylist. Mediation helps to break deadlocks and ensure that all voices are equitably considered, paving the way for collaborative success.

Muitas ferramentas tecnológicas permitem a análise de sentimentos de todos os envolvidos, interações virtuais para mediação através de até mesmo chatbots, e auxílio de inteligência artificial pode auxiliar a resolver as dificuldades de todos.  Use uma plataforma de mediação on-line, lá não é necessário que todos estejam presentes ao mesmo tempo.

At a large-scale festival we organized, we emphasized the importance of teamwork and mutual respect during our initial kickoff meeting. We encouraged everyone to share their ideas freely and assured them that all contributions were valued. This approach not only built a sense of community but also made team members more receptive to each other's viewpoints. When conflicts did arise, the pre-established culture of openness and respect allowed us to address them constructively. By fostering such a culture, you create an environment where creative differences are viewed as opportunities for innovation rather than obstacles, ultimately leading to more harmonious and productive collaborations.

Use ferramentas de reflexão, uma reunião, por evento, pode auxiliar, mecanismo de coleta de feedbacks anônimos pode abrir mentes, documento os pontos positivos e negativos ocorridos.  Lembre-se, precisamos incentivar a aprendizagem continua sempre e erros acontecem, o que importa é não errar novamente.