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Last updated on Apr 6, 2025
  1. All
  2. IT Services
  3. IT Strategy

Your IT team is clashing with a vendor during a critical project phase. How can you navigate the conflict?

When your IT team clashes with a vendor during a critical project phase, it can jeopardize timelines and outcomes. Here’s how to address the conflict effectively:

  • Encourage open communication: Facilitate a meeting where both sides can voice concerns and solutions.

  • Define clear expectations: Ensure both parties understand project goals, timelines, and deliverables to minimize misunderstandings.

  • Seek mediation if needed: Bring in a neutral third party to help resolve disputes and find common ground.

How do you handle vendor conflicts in IT projects? Share your strategies.

IT Strategy IT Strategy

IT Strategy

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Last updated on Apr 6, 2025
  1. All
  2. IT Services
  3. IT Strategy

Your IT team is clashing with a vendor during a critical project phase. How can you navigate the conflict?

When your IT team clashes with a vendor during a critical project phase, it can jeopardize timelines and outcomes. Here’s how to address the conflict effectively:

  • Encourage open communication: Facilitate a meeting where both sides can voice concerns and solutions.

  • Define clear expectations: Ensure both parties understand project goals, timelines, and deliverables to minimize misunderstandings.

  • Seek mediation if needed: Bring in a neutral third party to help resolve disputes and find common ground.

How do you handle vendor conflicts in IT projects? Share your strategies.

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Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
53 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Khalid Turk MBA, PMP, CHCIO, CDH-E

    Strategic Healthcare IT Executive - Building Systems That Work, Teams That Thrive & Cultures That Endure | CIO | Digital Transformation & AI | Servant Leader | Author & Speaker

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    To navigate the vendor conflict, immediately organize a focused meeting with key stakeholders from both sides to identify specific issues without blame. Listen to both perspectives, acknowledge concerns, and reestablish project goals. Document agreements, create clear accountability frameworks, and consider a neutral facilitator if needed. Look for quick wins to rebuild momentum while maintaining transparent communication with sponsors. Focus on preserving the relationship by emphasizing mutual benefits and shared success.

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    9
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    Contributor profile photo
    Vitor Michel

    Senior Fullstack Software Engineer | Backend | .NET | C# | React | SCRUM

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    When vendor conflicts pop up, I focus on clear, honest communication and remind everyone of the shared goal, getting the project over the finish line. If things get stuck, a quick joint plan and maybe a neutral mediator can work wonders.

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    7
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    Contributor profile photo
    Adriano Martins Antonio, ITIL 4 Master, Ambassador ITIL

    CIO & CEO - PMG Academy, LLC | ITIL®4 Ambassador | Professor | Consultant | Writer | Speaker on IT Governance, Information Security and Business

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    Quando sua equipe de TI entra em conflito com um fornecedor durante uma fase crítica do projeto, é essencial agir com rapidez e estratégia para evitar impactos negativos nos prazos e resultados. O primeiro passo é promover uma comunicação aberta e empática, criando um espaço onde ambas as partes possam expressar suas preocupações e perspectivas. A escuta ativa é fundamental para compreender as causas subjacentes do conflito e buscar soluções colaborativas. Estabelecer expectativas claras quanto a metas, prazos e responsabilidades ajuda a alinhar os objetivos e minimizar mal-entendidos. Se necessário, considere a mediação por uma terceira parte neutra para facilitar o diálogo e encontrar um terreno comum.

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    Luis Valente ™

    Information Security & Cyber-Intelligence | Privacy • Compliance • Risk Management | Protect Your Clients' Data & Preserve Your Reputation

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    Vendor conflicts can derail even the most promising projects. To navigate this challenge: 1. Prioritize open communication. Schedule a meeting to address concerns head-on. 2. Listen actively to both sides. Understand the root causes of the clash. 3. Refocus on shared goals. Remind everyone of the project's importance. 4. Mediate objectively. Avoid taking sides and seek win-win solutions. 5. Document agreements and next steps clearly. 6. Consider bringing in a neutral third party if tensions persist. 7. Review contracts to ensure all parties are meeting obligations. Successful conflict resolution often leads to stronger partnerships. Use this as an opportunity to improve processes and relationships for future collaborations.

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    5
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    Rahul Tulsiyani

    I help agencies build on-demand dev teams, cut costs by up to 83%

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    one thing I've learned the hard way - documenting EVERYTHING from day 1 isn't being paranoid, it's being prepared. saved my bacon more than once when the 'he said, she said' starts 😅 also found that quick daily standups (even just 15 mins) catch small issues before they become project-killing monsters. way better than those lengthy weekly status meetings where everyone's already frustrated the best project managers I've worked with treat vendors like extended team members rather than outsiders. amazing how much smoother things go when everyone feels like they're on the same side 💯

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