Your team is divided on the presentation design. How can you unite everyone behind a winning approach?

1 Understand Views

To begin bridging the divide, immerse yourself in understanding each team member's viewpoint on the presentation design. This isn't just about acknowledging their preferences; it's about truly grasping the reasoning behind their choices. Are they advocating for simplicity because they fear clutter could distract from the message? Or do they prefer intricate designs because they believe it adds value and engagement? By comprehensively understanding these perspectives, you can identify common ground and areas for compromise, which is crucial for moving forward toward a unified design.

2 Set Objectives

Once you've listened to everyone's input, it's time to collectively establish the objectives of your presentation. What is the core message you want to convey? Who is your audience, and what are their expectations? By defining clear, shared goals, your team can evaluate design choices through the lens of these objectives. This helps to shift the discussion from subjective tastes to a more objective evaluation of what design serves the presentation's purpose best.

3 Leverage Strengths

Every team member brings a unique set of skills to the table. Identify these strengths and assign roles accordingly. For instance, a team member with a knack for storytelling can work on content flow, while someone with a keen eye for design might focus on the visual elements. This way, each person contributes in a way that not only showcases their talents but also adds significant value to the presentation. When individuals see their suggestions and expertise being utilized, they're more likely to feel invested in the collective approach.

4 Foster Collaboration

5 Make Decisions

At some point, decisions must be made to move forward with the presentation design. Use the previously set objectives as a guide to evaluate the different options on the table. Encourage the team to vote or reach a consensus on which design elements best meet the goals. It's important that this step is carried out with respect for all opinions and that the final decision is presented as a collective choice rather than an executive one.

6 Reflect and Adjust

Finally, be prepared to reflect on the chosen design approach and make adjustments as necessary. After initial implementation, gather feedback from your team on what's working and what isn't. This continuous loop of feedback and adjustment not only improves the presentation but also reinforces the collaborative spirit. It demonstrates to your team that their input has a tangible impact on the project, further uniting them behind the agreed-upon design.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?