Team members are at odds over risk-taking in a high-stakes project. How can you help them find common ground?

1 Identify Concerns

Divergent views on risk-taking often stem from varying experiences and personal risk thresholds. To begin bridging the gap, you must first understand the specific concerns of each team member. Listen actively to their reasons for advocating a conservative or aggressive approach. This will not only validate their expertise but also help you pinpoint the underlying factors contributing to the disagreement. By recognizing these concerns, you can address them directly and work towards a solution that respects the diverse perspectives within your team.

2 Evaluate Risks

Once you've listened to your team's concerns, it's time to evaluate the risks associated with the project systematically. Use risk assessment tools to quantify the potential impact and likelihood of various scenarios. This step turns subjective opinions into objective data, providing a common framework for discussion. Encourage your team to participate in this process, so they understand how their concerns translate into the risk assessment. This shared understanding is key to moving the team towards a consensus on which risks are acceptable and which are not.

3 Discuss Outcomes

With a clear assessment of the risks at hand, facilitate a discussion about possible outcomes. Guide your team through a series of "what if" scenarios to explore the consequences of different levels of risk-taking. This exercise can help team members visualize the practical implications of their positions and understand the trade-offs involved. It's important to foster an environment where all voices are heard and considered, ensuring that the team feels invested in the collective decision-making process.

4 Align Objectives

Aligning your team's objectives is essential to overcoming disagreements on risk-taking. Ensure that everyone is clear on the project's goals and how they relate to the organization's broader strategy. This alignment helps to contextualize risk decisions within the larger picture, making it easier for team members to prioritize risks that align with strategic objectives. Encourage your team to view risks as potential enablers of success rather than just obstacles, which can shift the focus from individual concerns to shared goals.

5 Build Consensus

Building consensus requires negotiation and compromise. After thoroughly discussing risks and objectives, work with your team to find a balance that satisfies the majority. This might involve agreeing on certain risk mitigations or deciding which risks are worth taking for the potential rewards. It's important to emphasize that consensus doesn't mean everyone gets exactly what they want; rather, it's about finding a middle ground that is acceptable to all parties involved.