Last updated on Jul 4, 2024

Your diverse project team is at odds over timelines. How will you find common ground?

When your project team is diverse, with varying perspectives and expertise, disagreements over timelines can be a challenge. Finding common ground requires a blend of empathy, strategic thinking, and clear communication. It's crucial to understand that a timeline is not just a schedule; it's a reflection of priorities, resources, and the complexities of the tasks at hand. You're not just aligning dates—you're aligning visions and expectations. Let's explore how you can navigate these waters and bring your team to a consensus.

1 Assess Needs

Begin by thoroughly assessing the needs and constraints of each team member. Listen actively to their concerns and the reasoning behind their proposed timelines. This step is not about immediate solutions but about gathering information. You need to understand the 'why' behind their positions—whether it's due to technical dependencies, resource availability, or personal commitments. Recognizing these factors will lay the groundwork for finding a solution that respects everyone's needs while steering towards the project's goals.

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Prashant Mishra

Co-Founder at ERU |
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Start by understanding each team member's needs and constraints through active listening. This step sets the stage for crafting solutions that respect everyone's perspectives while advancing project goals.

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2 Set Priorities

Once you have a clear understanding of individual needs, it's time to identify and communicate the project's priorities. This involves a delicate balance between the project's success criteria and the team's capabilities. Highlight the non-negotiable milestones and deliverables, and then work with the team to determine what can be adjusted. This prioritization exercise helps everyone see where there is flexibility and where there isn't, making it easier to negotiate and shift timelines where possible.

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Prashant Mishra

Co-Founder at ERU |
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Once you understand individual needs, communicate project priorities by highlighting non-negotiable milestones and working with the team to adjust timelines where possible. This approach fosters clarity and collaboration, ensuring alignment towards achieving key project goals.

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3 Explore Options

With priorities set, explore different options for timeline adjustments. This may involve re-sequencing work, adding resources, or scaling back project scope. It's a collaborative effort to find creative solutions that accommodate the constraints while maintaining project integrity. Encourage open discussion and brainstorming, as this can lead to innovative approaches that might not have been considered initially. The goal is to construct a revised timeline that is realistic and acceptable to all parties involved.

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Prashant Mishra

Co-Founder at ERU |
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Once priorities are set, collaborate on adjusting timelines by re-sequencing tasks, allocating resources, or scaling scope. Encourage open discussion to find realistic solutions that maintain project integrity and meet everyone's needs.

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4 Build Consensus

Building consensus is key in resolving timeline conflicts. This means not just reaching an agreement but achieving genuine buy-in from the team. Facilitate a discussion where each member can voice their opinion on the proposed solutions. It's important to ensure that everyone feels heard and that their concerns are addressed. Through negotiation and compromise, aim to arrive at a collective decision that aligns with both the project's needs and the team's capacities.

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Devika Kapoor🐬
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This can happen when you explain your team why the task is important to be delivered in a certain timeframe. Then only they will agree and buy in. Another interesting approach I learnt was to make the input variable for a team member the output of another. Example: The editor needs video recording (output of the director or camera person) to start working. In this way, the editor will keep pushing the concerned person to meet their deadline as the editor wants to meet his.

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5 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is essential throughout the entire process, but especially when finalizing and disseminating the revised timeline. Ensure that all team members understand the rationale behind the changes and their roles moving forward. Use visual aids like Gantt charts or timelines to help everyone grasp the new schedule at a glance. Consistent updates and check-ins can help keep the team aligned and accountable as the project progresses.

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6 Monitor Progress

Finally, continuously monitor progress against the new timeline. This isn't just about tracking deadlines; it's about maintaining the dialogue and addressing issues as they arise. Regular progress meetings can help identify potential delays early, allowing for proactive adjustments. By keeping an open line of communication, you reinforce a collaborative environment where the team can thrive despite initial disagreements.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Your diverse project team is at odds over timelines. How will you find common ground?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Needs

2 Set Priorities

3 Explore Options

4 Build Consensus

5 Communicate Clearly

6 Monitor Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Problem Solving

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Your diverse project team is at odds over timelines. How will you find common ground?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Needs

2 Set Priorities

3 Explore Options

4 Build Consensus

5 Communicate Clearly

6 Monitor Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Problem Solving

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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