Your team is divided over sales strategies. How can you navigate conflicts and maintain productivity?

It's important to setup the pace for open communication and allow each team member to express their different points of view. Active listening and a controlled private environment (ex. meeting room, external venue) to avoid distractions.

Encourage the dialogue across the team members, I always start with the dialogue saying: "It's OK to disagree" to allow an open dialogue. Focus on the issue and not the individual. A weekly team meeting is encouraged to review any open issues and work on a plan in how to strategize on resolving them.

Team Leaders invite the members into a participative brainstorming, with all emotions left outside the door step of the meeting room... and then, 1. Focus on shared objectives, such as increasing sales or customer satisfaction, to align team members. 2. Use factual data to evaluate the pros and cons of different strategies, reducing bias. 3. Foster an environment where all voices are heard, and be willing to compromise or integrate various ideas into a hybrid solution.

I always drive the discussion towards the annual organization strategic goals and then cascade down to each individual function or department objectives to help drive the conversation. At the end always highlight that we are looking for the long term future growth of the organization.

When your team disagrees on sales strategies, it’s crucial to address the conflict constructively. Facilitate a meeting to discuss each perspective and find common ground. Use data and insights to guide the decision-making process and ensure alignment with company goals. Encourage collaboration by highlighting how different strategies can complement each other. By managing the conflict openly and focusing on shared objectives, you’ll maintain productivity and drive better sales outcomes.

Whenever divided opinions are present plan your communication and come up with options either in advance or through the discussion. Make sure everyone is listened and ask clarification questions for each option that is proposed to being pursued.

Always make sure that you work on your implementation plan. Develop a RASCI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Supportive, Consultive and Informed) while defining roles and responsibilities to minimize implementation issues, this needs to be supported with a communication plan across the different stakeholder groups.