How do you handle automation collaboration conflicts and disagreements?

Who is right⁉️ When there are different opinions about what to include or exclude from the scope of an automation project, remember these 3 key takeaways if you forget everything else … 1️⃣ Baseball: Base Hits over Grand Slams, so focus on many small improvements over something with a massive scope 2️⃣ Simplicity Reigns: Choose simple over complex processes when there is a choice 3️⃣ Scope Freeze: Once you have decided on the scope, hold steady. Don’t allow scope creep. It’s one of the top 2 reasons why projects of any type fail. 👍 Like if you find this valuable and Follow Me for more insights on Process & Automation Engineering. Matt Rebeiro - Challenge the Status Quo #automation #BusinessProcessImprovement #ProjectManagement

At our company, the most important aspect of automation is having a clear scope that can be summarized in one paragraph! However, It's also crucial to have a detailed written scope that everyone involved can refer to in order to avoid misunderstandings or missing important steps for the developers. Written agreements are insurance to cover any potential issues or disagreements. But ultimately, the success of an automation initiative is measured by its ability to produce the same results as before, with greater accuracy and speed.

🤔How do you handle automation collaboration conflicts? Before starting an automation project it is important to get buy-in and support from the leadership team as well as the team performing the process today. This buy-in, along with setting a clear timeline and scope should reduce the likelihood of a conflict occurring. If you see a conflict rising it’s important to switch to written communication for all interactions that can be referred back to if necessary. If you have a meeting with someone tell them you will take notes and send them after the meeting asking for comments if anything is incorrect. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and reduce the chance of misunderstandings. 👍 Like to support this

When handling automation collaboration conflicts, defining clear scope and goals is essential. Start by creating a project charter, much like NASA does for its complex missions, to ensure everyone is aligned. Encourage open communication—Amazon fosters transparency with regular team syncs to tackle challenges early. Focus on problems, not people, as Google does in its engineering teams, using issue-based discussions to solve coding disagreements. Set clear coding standards, similar to GitHub’s community guidelines, and conduct regular code reviews to maintain consistency. By adopting these strategies, teams can resolve conflicts constructively, leading to smoother collaboration.

To ensure success in an RPA project, it's vital to establish a clear vision of the project's goals and involve the right people. An automation project follows distinct lifecycles involving various stakeholders. A clear RACI matrix is crucial for defining roles and responsibilities to avoid conflicts. A collaborative approach, incorporating business stakeholders at different stages, is key. This not only establishes a feedback loop but also prevents scenarios where incorrect requirements are realized only after deployment to production. This collaborative effort helps avoid potential issues or conflicts. Regular check-ups on timelines aid in identifying any deviations promptly, contributing to a smoother and conflict-free RPA project.

I have witnessed 3 models - centralized, decentralized, and federated. All models have some advantages and some disadvantages. Federated models have shown success when teams have different starting points and different needs. Centralized when initiative is taken organization-wide, using the same tools and stakeholder buy-in is there. Decentralized models have shown success when each group driving initiative is big enough to run on its own and in some scenarios using different tools.

Not a bad idea to be honest. If we look on injection molding processes there are some companies where you can combine those things. All injection molding tools produce, while workers bring those filled boxes on a centralized spot where another process hits in. Store it, assembly line, whatever it is, it gets managed from there as well

When you're choosing an automation model, think about your goal. If you're aiming to improve your whole business, a centralized model is your best bet. Why? It keeps things simple, allows for fast decision-making, and brings quick results. It's like having one great chef instead of a crowded kitchen. If you're focusing on improving different areas separately, go for a decentralized model. Let the teams who know their processes best lead the automation. This way, you'll create solutions that really work and address the right problems. Otherwise, you might end up with tools that no one uses or needs.

For an automation team’s approach, it’s advisable to begin with manageable projects and scale up according to the leadership’s capacity for change. It’s common for models to evolve over time. The primary goal should be to facilitate automation and ensure that every team is contributing value effectively.

In my opinion, selecting the right automation model is critical to avoiding disagreements. What I’ve usually seen is that when the team collaboratively chooses a model that suits the project’s requirements, there’s greater buy-in. I believe considering factors like scalability, cost-efficiency, and ease of integration helps ensure the model aligns with everyone’s expectations. The point is to involve the team in decision-making so the chosen model fits the project’s needs and reduces future disagreements.

Not only for tracking the progress, of course those numbers are highly important for the effectiveness. I am also thinking of failure. A tracking documentation is really important because even machines will fail and to know when and where and what was the cause will help to improve the production.

When handling automation conflicts, using the right tools can make a big difference. Start with project management tools like Jira or Trello to keep communication clear and track progress, much like teams at Atlassian do to stay organized. In legal fields, tools like Clio Manage or MyCase can automate conflict checks and help avoid compliance issues. For software teams, visual diff tools such as Beyond Compare make it easier to resolve code conflicts quickly. AI-powered tools can also help by suggesting solutions for complex code merges. With the right tools and a proactive approach, teams can prevent conflicts and resolve disagreements more smoothly.

In my experience, using the right tools can help streamline collaboration and avoid conflicts. What I’ve usually seen is that teams working with compatible and user-friendly automation tools experience fewer technical issues and disagreements about implementation. I believe selecting tools that enhance communication, version control, and documentation can keep everyone aligned. The point is to ensure the tools chosen foster collaboration, not hinder it.

I completely agree. Automation project should be treated just like any other software development project. And all the tools and best practices leveraged in an SDLC lifecycle should be extended and adopted to Automation projects also.

You will pick the wrong tools. That is why you have a strategy, and a roadmap. Don't spend your entire budget evaluating tools. Fail fast, recover faster. In the moment, you only need to know your team, your end user, today's scop, and the roadmap. Pick something that aligns with your strategy and works for your people. As long as it meets today's needs and aligns with your strategy, the risk of failure is minimal. You learn, you grow, you pick a better tool next time.

In the context of implementing automation with RPA, addressing conflicts needs to encompass both the technical intricacies and the psychological aspects of the team. Divergences may arise from different perspectives and technical challenges, yet it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of emotions and interpersonal relationships. Identifying the root of the conflict and fostering open and empathetic communication are fundamental. Emphasizing shared objectives over individual positions can establish common ground for resolution. By seeking solutions that consider both technical needs and emotional aspects, we can build a more effective and successful implementation of RPA automation.

In my opinion, resolving conflicts constructively is key to maintaining a productive team dynamic. What I’ve usually seen work well is creating an open environment where team members can express their concerns and perspectives. I believe focusing on problem-solving rather than personal differences helps move conversations forward and fosters collaboration. The point is to approach disagreements with the mindset of finding solutions that benefit the whole team.

In my opinion each section of a project needs an undisputed leader, they shall exercise respect and listen, but at the end of the day a clear decision needs to be made with clear accountability. Arguments happen so frequently in automation, as there are many ways to build and program a machine, and there are many different staunch opinions on how to do this and sometimes differing opinions are far apart. It's up to the leader to chart the course and take responsibility.

Change always brings some fear with it, wheter we say it loud or keep it to ourselves. These fears come from not knowing what's going to happen next, understanding that things won't stay the same. The reach of automation is growing, and the worry that machines might take over jobs is a hot topic these days. Being a good listener, showing empathy, and finding common ground are key when it comes to sorting out the issues that come with these kinds of changes

Muitos conflitos não precisariam ser resolvidos, se fossem prevenidos. Algumas formas de evitar conflitos em empresas (ou organizações em geral) incluem a elaboração de um Código de Ética eficaz, realizada com base em questionários, entrevistas e elementos de governança. Ele também ajuda a solucionar os conflitos de forma construtiva, quando já estão instaurados, pois traz os parâmetros subjetivos (ou seja, relacionados aos sujeitos) que devem ser aplicados na operacionalização do processo.

Adopting a continuous learning mindset is crucial for effectively handling conflicts and disagreements in automation collaboration. Proactively seek input from both team members and stakeholders to gain insight into various perspectives. Reflect on past experiences to identify areas for improvement. Invest time in learning about automation tools and processes to enhance collaboration skills. Practice empathy and open communication to resolve conflicts constructively. Utilize resources like workshops, online courses, and mentorship programs to further develop conflict resolution and collaboration techniques. Continuous learning and improvement are vital for successfully navigating challenges in automation collaboration.

The only thing that is certain when implementing a RPA project is that you will have to manage resistance, mainly for the changed, but also a resistance due to the fact that in some cases automation means less people on team. To get people onboard you will need to learn from the beginning in order to constantly improve the process.

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We have established a term for this that I used in the military that is quite simply called "Lessons Learned". This is another area where documentation is a key factor. If you don't document these things and learn from them, then you are destined to repeat them. This is a key factor in company growth and customer relations. I wouldn't want to hire someone that kept on making the same mistakes over and over again. There is nothing wrong with making mistakes, but if you don't learn and grow from those mistakes, you and all involved are doomed to failure.

In my experience, conflicts are opportunities to learn and improve processes. What I’ve usually seen is that teams who reflect on past conflicts and adapt their collaboration strategies come out stronger. I believe conducting post-project reviews or feedback sessions helps identify areas for improvement in both communication and workflows. The point is to view conflicts as growth opportunities and continuously refine how the team collaborates.

Automation is inevitable in this digital age. Be it Agile delivery, DevOps or Cloud computing, automation helps realize: - optimizing value delivery to customer - time to market - feedback based solutions Simple solutions like scripts & programs are at one end of the automation spectrum & complex ones using RPA, AI at the other. The delivery team, management & customer collaborate to identify various Business, IT & Operations processes that can benefit from automation. Through continuous reviews & sampling they need to iteratively & incrementally identify candidates, resolve conflicts and disagreements & implement mutually agreed automation solutions with data integrity, automation costs & expected benefits as key in rolling them out.

In my experience, fostering a culture of mutual respect and accountability is crucial for avoiding and resolving conflicts. What I’ve usually seen work well is ensuring that every team member feels valued and that their input is respected. The point is to build a team environment where collaboration is encouraged and conflicts are approached with respect and transparency.

I've seen customers struggling to scale up automation program because it is not the top leadership priority and someone started as a side project. Executive sponsorship and a top down focus helps in improving collaboration and resolving conflicts because the senior leadership has a stake in the success of the automation program.

One important lesson I’ve learned is to ensure clear roles and responsibilities from the beginning. Often, conflicts stem from unclear ownership of tasks. By assigning clear responsibilities early, I’ve seen teams work more harmoniously. Regular check-ins and collaboration meetings also help in catching issues early and preventing them from escalating into larger conflicts.

- Don't compare yourself or let other "bigger or more impactful" automation projects dim your drive to make improvements. Even a simple Excel macro is part of an automation project. - Automation doesn't need to transform every single part of the whole process to be valuable. - Be resilient, things often don't work out the first try. Keep looking for another way to reach your goal.