Stakeholders are at odds over the change project scope. How will you navigate conflicting perspectives?

First, it’s important to understand each stakeholder’s perspective. This involves active listening and empathizing with their concerns. Try to understand their motivations, priorities, and what they stand to gain or lose from the project.

Navigating conflicting perspectives among stakeholders in a project requires a strategic and diplomatic approach. By facilitating open and structured discussions, all aspects can be disclosed. The most critical aspects of the project scope should then be prioritized, and areas where compromises can be made without jeopardizing the project's success should be identified. A moderator can support the process by understanding each stakeholder's perspective, especially their concerns, objectives, and expectations. Maintaining transparency throughout the process is crucial; keep all stakeholders informed about decisions and changes to the project scope. Documenting all agreements and decisions ensures clarity and accountability.

Coming to the round table of clear understanding of basic pros/cons of the change to each stakeholder will help to guide into what the foundational concerns each member is having. There will be concern for trade-offs in if one unit will be bearing the brunt of the workload versus another and adequately accounting for what that sort of transition means and will look like.

Maintaining open lines of communication can not be overemphasized. In my experience, I have learned to ensure that all stakeholders feel heard and their opinions valued. This has helped to reduce misunderstandings and conflicts.

One way to align interest is to identify areas of agreement among the stakeholders. This can serve as a foundation for resolving disagreements.

Ensure everyone is at least aligned on the primary goal - there should always be one or two, the north star. From that create opportunities for open dialogue, remembering that some conflict is not necessary a bad thing in the initial stages of a change project. Ensure everyone understands the total picture and not just a silo view of their own perceived area of expertise. Not something that can be rushed so dedicate time and energy. Have people ready to articulate their positions, concerns and possible solutions. If you continue to have a disruptor then consider dropping them completely from the project or organization.

Not all stakeholder requests can be accommodated, however, be prepared to negotiate and find a middle ground where it matters most. Compromise may be necessary to move the project forward.

Some else to consider is that once decisions are made, document them. This ensures everyone is on the same page and prevents future misunderstandings. Be open also, to revisiting decisions if new information or changes in circumstances warrant it.