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Last updated on Jan 23, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Conflict Resolution

Your startup team can't agree on project deadlines. How do you align their differing opinions?

When your startup team can't agree on project deadlines, it can stall progress and create tension. To navigate this, focus on clear communication and collaborative planning. Here are some strategies to align your team:

  • Facilitate open discussion: Encourage team members to voice their concerns and preferences regarding deadlines.

  • Use a project management tool: Tools like Trello or Asana can help visualize timelines and dependencies.

  • Set SMART goals: Ensure deadlines are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound to keep everyone on the same page.

How do you handle disagreements over project deadlines in your team?

Conflict Resolution Conflict Resolution

Conflict Resolution

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Last updated on Jan 23, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Conflict Resolution

Your startup team can't agree on project deadlines. How do you align their differing opinions?

When your startup team can't agree on project deadlines, it can stall progress and create tension. To navigate this, focus on clear communication and collaborative planning. Here are some strategies to align your team:

  • Facilitate open discussion: Encourage team members to voice their concerns and preferences regarding deadlines.

  • Use a project management tool: Tools like Trello or Asana can help visualize timelines and dependencies.

  • Set SMART goals: Ensure deadlines are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound to keep everyone on the same page.

How do you handle disagreements over project deadlines in your team?

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27 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Mariia E.

    Empowering Immigrants | Career Coach & LinkedIn Influencer | Founder of WorkLifeCompass Podcast | Expert in Job Readiness & Personal Branding | Public Speaker | Advocate for Immigrant Success

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    When startup teams struggle with project deadlines, it often reflects deeper issues of trust and communication. As a career coach, I emphasize the importance of fostering an environment where every team member feels valued and heard. Collaborative planning not only aligns expectations but also builds resilience within the team, allowing them to navigate challenges together. Drawing from my own immigrant journey, I understand that diverse perspectives can lead to innovative solutions, making it crucial to embrace open dialogue and shared ownership in decision-making processes. This approach not only resolves conflicts but also strengthens team dynamics, paving the way for collective success.

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    Maksim Pomazov

    Tandem-Mediator No. 1 | Conflict resolution | Business & Family conflicts resolution | Cross-cultural conflicts resolution | Mediator certified | Co-founder at “Quinella Mediation Valley”.

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    In a startup, disagreements about the timing of a project can negatively affect the working atmosphere. The involvement of a mediator allows for a constructive dialogue between team members. The mediator helps each participant to express their positions and hear each other. This creates the conditions for finding a mutually beneficial solution that takes into account the interests of all parties. The mediator directs the discussion in a constructive direction, without escalating the conflict. This approach helps to build trust within the team and increases the effectiveness of teamwork. As a result, the agreed deadlines become not only realistic, but also supported by all project participants.

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    David S.

    Executive Leader | Driving Transformation in SaaS, Supply Chain, and Technology | Delivering Scalable Systems, Operational Excellence, and Sustainable Growth

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    Handling disagreements over project deadlines requires clear communication and structured approaches to ensure alignment. Start by facilitating open discussions where team members can express their concerns and preferences, fostering mutual understanding. Utilize project management tools like Trello or Asana to visually map out timelines and dependencies, making it easier to identify realistic deadlines. Establish SMART goals to create deadlines that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, ensuring clarity and feasibility. Finally, encourage compromise and collaboration, focusing on shared objectives to resolve conflicts and maintain progress.

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    Ema Istianasari

    Experienced Customer Success | Founder of Remote Working Indonesia (450+ Members) | B2B Sales & E-commerce Expert

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    what I will do : 1. first I need to gather the information from each team, regarding the deadlines : the big question of why 2. identify the problem : after gather all information I will identify the problem, try to connect the dot and find the option for solution but then I will 3. discuss the solution, giving the option then let the team decide which is best is sometimes better than force it.

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    Khalid Hasan

    I help Staffing & Recruiting agencies connect with currently hiring companies and their contact person details. Let's help you too connect with your potential clients. CEO at "Recruiters Lead",

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    When your startup team struggles to agree on project deadlines, it’s important to create a collaborative space where every voice is heard, but the focus remains on a common goal. Start by discussing each team member’s reasoning for their timeline and addressing concerns. Use data or past experiences to guide decision-making and set realistic expectations. Once everyone’s input is considered, find a middle ground that works for the team as a whole. Clear communication and flexibility will help align different perspectives and keep everyone on track.

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