Start with the decision you need to make. Describe what happened and how it affects the work, then ask what the other person sees differently. Avoid guessing their intentions. If an advisor disagrees with your plan, ask which concerns are advice and which are requirements you need to follow. You can agree on a next step without agreeing on everything. Serious harm, threats or discrimination need appropriate support, not an informal group negotiation.
Talk it through
- What decision do we need to make, and what can wait?
- Which part is a difference in priorities, and which part depends on a rule or responsibility?
- What would a workable next step look like to each person?
Try this next
- Describe what you disagree about and how it affects the work, without blaming anyone.
- Ask each person to explain their concern without guessing anyone else's motives.
- Record the next step, who will act and what needs an advisor’s input.