How do you ensure alignment when you have two senior executive stakeholders who disagree with each other on the proposed strategy and you are stuck in the middle?

When addressing alignment with executive stakeholders it is important to drive clear goals, KPIs, RACIs, and a strategy that outlines the pros and cons. This can include the following:  Goal alignment: You need to align with both stakeholders up front on the core problem we are trying to solve. By driving this alignment you ensure that everyone is on the same page around the goals we are trying to achieve. Without this, your strategy won’t align. Organized swimlanes: It is important to build a R ...Read More

This is a tricky one! First, you should assume that both stakeholders have good intent and that they’re willing to work together to resolve the issue. It’s critical to go in with a positive mindset! Then, try to create a shared fact base so that you’re all working from the same data. Once you have a shared understanding of the facts, then you can begin to build shared goals. Ask lots of questions to find shared goals between the stakeholders, and help them work towards a compromise that meets bo ...Read More

When two senior execs have opposing views, my goal is to get to the root of the disagreement and find some common ground. Here's how I try to approach it: Listen and gain clarity first: If possible, I will try to meet with each executive stakeholder 1:1 to understand why they feel the way they do. What's driving their perspective (e.g. - legal risk, high cost, low impact, competing priorities). In most cases, there's usually a business reason driving misalignment. Find the commonality: I try to ...Read More

This is tough to navigate but doable. I recommend that you actively listen to both sides. Try to meet them where they are at. To do so, you’ll need to empathetically listen to their perspectives. Identify a common ground for the executive stakeholders backed by data. It’s harder to argue against facts. Let the data help navigate the discussion and bring you to a compromise. I also recommend that you assume good intentions. Keep stakeholders focused on the bigger picture and its associated busine ...Read More

When two senior executives disagree and I’m stuck in the middle, IMO alignment begins with stepping back to pinpoint the root of the disconnect - not picking a side. My goal is to shift friction into buy-in. Here’s how I’d approach it: First, I’d meet each exec separately to dig into their perspective. Spending time here - asking what’s driving their POV and where they see the strategy fitting - clarifies the friction point, whether it’s priorities, data, or assumptions. Next, I’d bring them tog ...Read More

Another great question, one of the most sensitive and difficult! Handling a situation where two senior executive stakeholders disagree can be challenging, but it's critical that you develop the skills to navigate these moments diplomatically to ensure alignment and build your own reputation as a bridge-builder. Some thoughts: Listen actively: Seek to understand the perspectives of both stakeholders. Listen to their concerns, goals, and expectations carefully. Ensuring that they feel heard and re ...Read More

It’s all about finding common ground and keeping the conversation focused on business outcomes. Below is my typical approach:  Listen to perspectives of both executives Find common ground to start a discussion and begin mediation Use data to support decision-making - this is important as it should be data and not opinion at this point Create a forum for discussion for the two executives, present the data and encourage direct communication Explore/find a hybrid approach that meets both executive’ ...Read More

It's important to know that it's not your job to convince everyone of your strategy. Ultimately, you are both responsible and accountable for the strategy, execution, and results. Your job is to collect input, perspective, and ensure alignment with business objectives. It's pretty normal for people to disagree - but remember, it's your neck on the line! One of the best lessons I learned as a marketer was that you will never make everyone happy, and not everyone will believe in your plan. And whi ...Read More

This is tough to navigate but doable. I recommend that you actively listen to both sides. Try to meet them where they are at. To do so, you’ll need to empathetically listen to their perspectives. Identify a common ground for the executive stakeholders backed by data. It’s harder to argue against facts. Let the data help navigate the discussion and bring you to a compromise. I also recommend that you assume good intentions. Keep stakeholders focused on the bigger picture and its associated busine ...Read More