How do you prioritize conflicting client requirements on a high-stakes project

Question

Have you ever had to deal with conflicting client requirements on a high-stakes project? How did you prioritize them while keeping the project on track?

Answer 1

Yes, I’ve dealt with conflicting client requirements on a high-stakes project, and resolving them required clear prioritization and strong communication. Here’s how I managed it:

1. Understand the Requirements
   • I conducted meetings with all stakeholders to fully understand their needs and the reasons behind the conflicts.
2. Align with Project Goals
   • I mapped each requirement to the project’s objectives and overall business value to determine which ones aligned better with the project’s success.
3. Engage Stakeholders
   • I facilitated a discussion between clients to openly address the conflicts, present the impact of each requirement, and build consensus.
4. Use a Prioritization Framework
   • Leveraged frameworks like MoSCoW (Must-have, Should-have, Could-have, Won’t-have) to classify requirements based on urgency and importance.
5. Involve Leadership When Needed
   • For unresolved conflicts, I escalated to leadership for final decisions, ensuring all parties were informed.