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If a stakeholder opposes a new project management tool, first listen to their specific concerns, such as usability or cost. Show how the tool addresses key challenges they face, like streamlining workflows or improving team collaboration. Offer a trial period or a demo session to address their concerns directly. Discuss potential customizations or training to make the tool more user-friendly for them. Finally, outline how the tool’s benefits align with the overall project goals that matter to both parties.
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To find common ground with a stakeholder on a proposed solution, initiate a collaborative dialogue to understand their concerns and objectives. Focus on shared goals and interests rather than positions, and explore how the proposed solution can be adjusted to address their needs while still meeting overall objectives. Use data and evidence to support your points and remain open to compromise and alternative suggestions. Building mutual respect and demonstrating a willingness to collaborate can bridge gaps and foster a constructive resolution.
#ahmedalaali11
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The first thing I aim to achieve is to understand the view point of the stakeholder in question. What is this person looking at that I haven’t taken into consideration? I ask those questions to challenge my biases and be more open ended.
- i underline the business goal at hand. What are we trying to achieve and in-spite of preference, what are all the pathways available to reaching it? That helps me come up with workable alternatives for presenting solutions.
- Of all the alternatives in question, which based on findings will have more market acceptance? I rank this data in terms of risk and reward attributed to them.
- Based on data, I present my findings to spotlighting the business goal in mind and the best pathway to achieving it.
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Here’s a real-life example:
As a business coach, we suggested a change that would impact the entire workforce but ultimately improve operational efficiency and simplify processes. Initially, the client rejected the proposal. Here’s how we addressed their concerns:
1. We asked the client about their reservations and reasons for doubting the solution.
2. We shared case studies of similar clients who benefited from our approach.
3. We outlined the change in multiple phases, allowing for adjustments and included soft skills training to help the workforce adapt.
This approach won the client over, and the implementation was a great success with increasing 12% in revenue for the following year.
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Usually, opposing solutions are usually not massively different in implementation.
I have found myself in this position before and I did offer support to the other solution with mindset to offer bits and pieces from my own solution to supplement the gaps I identified when offering my solution.