Navigating becomes easy by preparing an effort impact matrix together with all the stakeholders, bringing facts to the light. 😊

In my experience, when stakeholders clash over a prototype's direction, I start by ensuring every voice is heard. I create an open dialogue where each person can share their perspective, but then I quickly anchor the conversation in data and a shared vision. By aligning everyone around clear, validated insights, I turn potential roadblocks into stepping stones for breakthrough progress.

Patrick Lencioni, author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, advises against relying on consensus for decision-making. He says that consensus can lead to poor decisions and arguments. Instead, he recommends focusing on commitment. And I fully agree about it. Reaching a consensus that satisfies everyone can be dangerous, time-consuming, and it may not be the best option. So it is important to let everybody know that we are not looking for a consensus, we are looking for the best option and it may not satisfy to everyone, however after listen all opinions and take the decision, everyone must commit to work on it as if it were their own idea.

In my experience working in R&D and collaborating with marketing, I’ve found that stakeholder clashes over a prototype’s direction often stem from differing priorities—technical feasibility vs. market appeal. To navigate these differences effectively, I focus on: Data-Driven Discussions: Using prototype tests and market research to align expectations. Cross-Functional Workshops: Bringing teams together to understand constraints and opportunities. MVP Approach: Prioritizing a minimum viable product that meets both technical and market needs. Structured Decision Frameworks: Using impact vs. effort matrices for objective decisions. This approach ensures that all voices are heard while keeping progress aligned with business goals