Your team members are at odds over project priorities. How can you align their focus and collaboration?

I will address the conflict by first facilitating an open discussion where each team member can express their views on project priorities without judgment. Then, I'll guide the team through a collaborative priority-setting exercise, using objective criteria and aligning with overall project goals to help reach a consensus. Finally, I'll ensure that the agreed-upon priorities are clearly documented and communicated, while establishing a process for regular review and adjustment of priorities as the project progresses, fostering ongoing collaboration and alignment.

Clarity is essential. Without it, the whole team will suffer—chaos will take over, misunderstandings and conflicts will be your constant companions. Trust me, I've been there, and you don't want that. Always assess the current situation and analyze the root cause. Do you have a clear project charter, deliverables, scope, tasks? Or a clear sprint/product backlog? Is there a clear responsibility/role matrix where everyone knows exactly what is expected of them? 2nd, always create a safe environment and encourage everyone to have a voice. There are many techniques to engage your team and foster open discussion. I recommend creating a team charter to establish ground rules and norms. Strive to be a servant leader and coach your team on EQ.

Uma conversa aberta e construtiva não apenas com os membros que estão em contraponto, mas com todos é fundamental para que os pontos sejam compartilhados e o coletivo defina. Mas antes mesmo desse debate é importante avaliar se os pontos estão alinhados com as expectativas dos stakeholders.

To align your team’s focus and collaboration, start by clearly defining project goals and priorities. Facilitate a meeting to discuss and agree on these priorities, ensuring everyone understands their roles and the project’s objectives. Encourage open communication and active listening to address concerns and find common ground. Use project management tools to track progress and set clear milestones. Foster a collaborative environment by recognizing contributions and promoting teamwork. Regularly review and adjust priorities as needed to keep everyone aligned and motivated.

Have the organization’s goals in mind. Clearly define the project's objectives and ensure that every team member understands them. How you get there is likely where you might have disagreements.

When team members have different views on project priorities, I find it helpful to guide them through the MoSCoW method. This technique helps us categorize tasks together as Must have, Should have, Could have, and Won’t have. It makes it clearer which tasks are essential and which can wait, considering everyone's input. Additionally, using tools like the Kano Model and the Eisenhower Box can further align the team by assessing tasks based on their importance and urgency. This ensures that all voices are heard and that there is a clear, mutual understanding of the project’s critical paths and priorities.

Teamwork makes the dream work. Encourage teamwork through regular brainstorming sessions and team-building activities. Document them and ensure that voices are heard.

Maintain transparency in communication to ensure everyone is on the same page. Give credit where it is due and ensure that folks know what is being presented.

When conflicts arise, address them promptly and constructively. Use facts and leave ego at the door. Maintain that objectives are the focus and look for the win-win approaches.