Conflict scenario – Three voices, one opportunity

The Setup 

Three local organizations – each focused on a different aspect of community development—have discovered a significant funding opportunity designed to support collaborative initiatives.

  1. Org A specializes in workforce development, helping immigrants find and sustain meaningful work.
  2. Org B provides mental health services, with strong ties to underserved populations.
  3. Org C is known for community engagement and outreach; they have expertise in running workshops and town hall meetings.

At an initial meeting of managers from the three organizations, enthusiasm about the potential funding is high.  However, deeper issues quickly emerge:

  • Org A wants to take the lead and has already drafted a preliminary proposal.
  • Org B worries that the focus on workforce development will overshadow mental health priorities.
  • Org C feels its expertise in community engagement is being undervalued and fears becoming a “junior partner.”

To proceed, the managers must resolve their differences and align on a shared vision for how to utilize the funding effectively.

Perspectives

Org A (Workforce Development Focus)

  • Main Argument:
    • Workforce development is the most tangible way to measure success and secure ongoing funding. Without a decent job, how can an immigrant succeed?
  • Underlying Concerns:
    • Org A fears losing influence if it doesn’t take the lead, given its history of managing similar initiatives.
    • Org A believes it has the infrastructure and capacity to manage the project efficiently.

Org B (Mental Health Focus)

  • Main Argument:
    • Mental health is foundational to success in any other area, including workforce development. Health is number one.
  • Underlying Concerns:
    • Org B worries its services will be underfunded or marginalized in the collaboration.
    • Org B fears that focusing too heavily on measurable outcomes like employment will neglect the long-term impact of mental health interventions.

Org C (Community Engagement Focus)

  • Main Argument:
    • Community voices must be central to the project to ensure its relevance and sustainability. Everyone has something to contribute!
  • Underlying Concerns:
    • Org C feels its expertise isn’t being acknowledged, which could lead to less buy-in from the communities they serve.
    • Org C is concerned that Org A’s and Org B’s priorities are too top-down and might alienate community stakeholders.

(Potential) Solution Options

  1. Org A Takes the Lead
    • Org A assumes the lead role, with Orgs B and C contributing as secondary partners.
  2. Create a Rotating Leadership Model
    • Leadership responsibilities rotate among the three organizations, with each taking charge for a specific phase of the project.
  3. Co-Design the Proposal
    • The three organizations co-develop the proposal, agreeing to shared decision-making and clearly defined roles.
  4. Neutral Mediation
    • Bring in a neutral facilitator to help align priorities and mediate disagreements.

Choose your preferred option (and get feedback)

 

Collaborations can be transformative but also challenging. Need help navigating complex partnerships? Let’s work together to turn potential conflicts into lasting solutions!