Last updated on Aug 5, 2024

You're facing conflicts between stakeholders on a project. How can you ensure progress is made?

When you're spearheading a project, encountering conflicts between stakeholders is almost inevitable. These disagreements can stem from differing priorities, perspectives, or interests. As a problem solver, your role is to navigate these choppy waters and keep the project on track. The key lies in understanding each stakeholder's concerns, finding common ground, and forging a path forward that aligns with the project's goals. Balancing these interests is challenging, but with the right approach, you can turn conflict into collaboration and ensure that progress continues unimpeded.

1 Understand Issues

To effectively resolve conflicts, you must first thoroughly understand the issues at hand. Engage with each stakeholder to gather their viewpoints and concerns. Listen actively and empathetically, demonstrating that you value their input. This not only helps in identifying the root causes of the conflict but also builds trust. Once you have a comprehensive understanding of the issues, you can begin to work on finding solutions that address the needs and expectations of all parties involved.

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Juan Francisco de la Jara H.

Senior Advisor en Internacionalización y representaciones internacionales en Orizon S.A.
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La comunicación es esencial para resolver los conflictos. Escuchar, entender y preguntar a las partes para conocer sus posiciones, es un paso inicial necesario para avanzar en una resolución adecuada de las dificultades inherentes a la contraposición de opiniones, muchas veces son más los puntos en común que las controversias, y eso permite iniciar con una base para proponer soluciones adecuadas.

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2 Communicate Clearly

Communication is the lifeblood of conflict resolution. Ensure that you facilitate open and transparent dialogue between stakeholders. This means setting up regular meetings, providing updates, and creating a safe space for stakeholders to express their thoughts and concerns without fear of reprisal. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps everyone informed about the project's progress and any changes that may affect their interests.

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Shahinul Khalisdar

Tax Advisor | Business Advisor/ Taxation Expertise/ Enrolled Agent (EA)/Master of Science in Taxation (MST)/ Author
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Effective conflict resolution depends on open and honest communication. Regular meetings and updates should be scheduled to create a secure environment for stakeholders to share their opinions and concerns without fear of negative consequences. Clear communication helps prevent confusion and keeps everyone informed about the project's progress and any changes that may affect them.

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Juan Francisco de la Jara H.

Senior Advisor en Internacionalización y representaciones internacionales en Orizon S.A.
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Buscar elementos comunes que permitan una comunicación adecuada y expedita, ayuda a que se construya una buena negociación. Preguntar siempre que no se entienda a la contraparte y resumir, por escrito, los acuerdo y desacuerdos permiten avanzar en pos de un acuerdo.

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3 Seek Alignment

Finding common ground among conflicting stakeholders is essential for progress. Focus on aligning their interests with the project's objectives. Highlight the benefits of cooperation and how the project's success is in everyone's best interest. Sometimes this might involve compromise or re-evaluating project goals to accommodate different viewpoints. The goal is to create a win-win situation where all stakeholders feel their voices are heard and their needs are met.

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4 Implement Solutions

Once you've identified potential solutions, it's time to put them into action. Develop a clear plan detailing how each solution will be implemented, who is responsible, and the expected outcomes. This plan should be agreed upon by all stakeholders to ensure buy-in. Execution is just as important as the planning process, so monitor progress closely and be prepared to make adjustments as necessary.

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Shahinul Khalisdar

Tax Advisor | Business Advisor/ Taxation Expertise/ Enrolled Agent (EA)/Master of Science in Taxation (MST)/ Author
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After identifying potential solutions, it is crucial to implement them. Create a detailed plan outlining the steps for implementation, the responsible parties, and the anticipated results. To ensure support, this plan must have the consensus of all stakeholders. Execution is equally important as the planning phase, so closely track progress and be ready to make necessary changes.

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5 Monitor Progress

Monitoring the progress of the implemented solutions is crucial to maintaining stakeholder alignment and ensuring continued project advancement. Keep track of milestones and deliverables, and provide stakeholders with regular updates. This transparency not only reinforces trust but also allows for timely interventions if issues re-emerge or if the solutions are not having the intended effect.

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6 Adapt Flexibly

Finally, be prepared to adapt. Projects are dynamic, and what works today may not work tomorrow. Be flexible and willing to revisit and revise solutions as the project evolves and as stakeholders' needs change. This agility will help you to maintain momentum on the project, even when conflicts arise, ensuring that progress is always being made toward the ultimate goal.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Ahmed El-Marashly

Top LinkedIn Voice | Logistics & Supply Chain Expert | Business Consultant & Instructor | Driving Business Growth & Success | Operational Excellence | Business Transformation | MBA | CISCM | 28k+ Followers
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To manage conflicts between stakeholders and ensure project progress: 1. Understand the Conflicts: Identify the issues and gather stakeholder input. 2. Facilitate Open Communication: Encourage structured discussions and active listening. 3. Identify Common Goals: Focus on shared objectives to promote collaboration. 4. Find Compromises: Explore solutions that address multiple concerns. 5. Set Clear Priorities: Tackle the most critical issues first and manage expectations. 6. Develop a Conflict Resolution Plan: Establish procedures for mediation and decision-making. 7. Leverage a Neutral Mediator: Use a third party if needed for unbiased resolution. 8. Monitor and Review: Regularly assess and adjust conflict resolution strategies.

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You're facing conflicts between stakeholders on a project. How can you ensure progress is made?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Issues

2 Communicate Clearly

3 Seek Alignment

4 Implement Solutions

5 Monitor Progress

6 Adapt Flexibly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Problem Solving

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You're facing conflicts between stakeholders on a project. How can you ensure progress is made?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Issues

2 Communicate Clearly

3 Seek Alignment

4 Implement Solutions

5 Monitor Progress

6 Adapt Flexibly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Problem Solving

Rate this article

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