How do you manage conflicts that arise within a project due to different needs and perspectives? For example, if you're leading a project aimed at introducing automation to enhance efficiency, but one key stakeholder, although appearing open to change, actually prefers the old way of practices, despite the company's clear direction towards innovation, digitalization, or automation. How would you address this to ensure alignment and progress towards the project's objectives? While I believe communication is crucial in such situations, I'm interested in hearing various perspectives and experiences to broaden my understanding and approach. Saving Changes...
Daniel onyangoMr.| Tusiah Renovators LimitedNairobi, 30, Kenya
Change is never easy to be taken up or supported especially with the people who are used the systems they have mastered and believes it still works for them. It is imperative that at the very initial part of Project initiation a broader over view of the current system is looked at and analyzed for deficiencies against the proposed benefits of the new system or Project with clear indications of Benefits that would accrue to adoption for new Project.
With this on paper then a meeting should be held with the key stakeholder to clarify objectives, and assurance that the proposed changes are of absolute necessity for efficiency and effectiveness of the Operations of the organization.
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1 reply by Anil Jassal
Apr 15, 2024 12:30 AM
Anil Jassal
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I completely agree with your advice that conducting a comprehensive comparative analysis between the current system/process and the proposed one, coupled with a stakeholder meeting to elucidate the benefits, is the best approach for addressing such situations
Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Take a look to Solution Selling selling method (you can find it with the name of SPIN Selling too). Other methods that can help on the matter are LAMP and Power Base Selling. Just to comment, I am not a sales man, but being trained on this matters helped me a lot to apply it to projects. Saving Changes...
As Sergio says, this is a case of leveraging your powers of influence and persuasion, and if necessary, appropriate corporate politics to ensure that while the key stakeholder is treated fairly, their attitude doesn't cause the project to fail. As much as possible, work towards a win-win situation but sometimes, stakeholders might not get what they want.
Kiron Saving Changes...
William M Hayden JrAdjunct Assistant Professor| University at Buffalo, School of Management, Operations Management & StrategyBuffalo, Ny, United States
Re: " but one key stakeholder, although appearing open to change, actually prefers the old way of practices, despite the company's clear direction towards innovation, digitalization, or automation"
In life, many mask their fear with anger and resistance.
Consider using Lewin's FFA with that individual to see if you can help them see past their fear.
Cheers,
Bill Saving Changes...
Holly SusoSr. Program Manager| KalpadaHemet, United States
Have you considered the 5 why analysis approach to see where the resistance comes from? Perhaps this person sees risks that others have not considered. Saving Changes...
Change is never easy to be taken up or supported especially with the people who are used the systems they have mastered and believes it still works for them. It is imperative that at the very initial part of Project initiation a broader over view of the current system is looked at and analyzed for deficiencies against the proposed benefits of the new system or Project with clear indications of Benefits that would accrue to adoption for new Project.
With this on paper then a meeting should be held with the key stakeholder to clarify objectives, and assurance that the proposed changes are of absolute necessity for efficiency and effectiveness of the Operations of the organization.
I completely agree with your advice that conducting a comprehensive comparative analysis between the current system/process and the proposed one, coupled with a stakeholder meeting to elucidate the benefits, is the best approach for addressing such situations Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
To change his attitude, you must first understand his perspective, concerns, and emotions about the change. Empathy is key in this step, and active listening and establishing trust and a relationship are actions. Once he feels psychologically safe, the problem might dissolve. Saving Changes...
Witold HendrysiakProject and strategic management advisor| OXYGYWarszawa, Poland
I fully agree with Thomas. As a second step, I would recommend brainstorming what would be the possible gains for this stakeholder in this new situation. Simple resistance to change is rarely the best strategy. Cooperation will be much easier once an attractive solution, in this changing environment, is identified. You can offer your full support to co-create the new reality to meet your stakeholders’ needs and mitigate the negative impact. Every change process is difficult. This is why trust is important. Ethical behavior and honest communication are the keys to success. Getting stakeholders engaged in the solution design makes the acceptance of the new reality easier. Saving Changes...
I agree with Thomas. You have to understand his views first before making any other action. There might be some unressolved issues that you need to know for you and your team to address. Once you have a better understanding, then it is the right opportunity for you to let him understand and take the necessary action. Let them know that you understand their sentiments. Reminding your stakeholders of the objectives and direction of your company from time to time is very useful, after all, this is the main objective and goal of the project. At this point, it is where you apply what Kiron explained. Saving Changes...
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