Transforming Division into Progress

When your team is divided on a new strategy, it’s an opportunity to uncover valuable insights and align around a shared goal. Here’s how to approach it.

1. Empathize and Understand

Start by listening. Create space for every team member to voice their perspective. Get to the heart of the disagreement.

2. Frame the Problem Together

Next, guide the team to define the problem. Design thinking teaches us that reframing challenges with “How Might We…” can unlock new solutions.

3. Explore Options and Prototype

Low-fidelity prototypes—like simulations, pilots, or even simple scenarios—can identify what works and what doesn’t, moving the conversation from abstract ideas to tangible outcomes.

4. Disagree and Commit

Once all voices are heard, choose the best path forward. Ask the team to fully support the decision, even if it wasn’t their first choice.

5. Reflect and Adjust

Finally, evaluate the results. Did the solution achieve the desired outcome? If not, what can we learn? An iterative process helps everyone feel their input matters, even if the initial decision wasn’t their preference.

Conflict is natural in a team of passionate, smart people. But with empathy, collaboration, and commitment, we can transform division into progress.