How would you handle a colleague you can't see eye to eye with when there are no instructions?

• A. End collaboration and reassign.
• B. Ask for supervisor's decision.
• C. Initiate a structured discussion, ask questions, and work toward compromise.
• D. Decide unilaterally.

Answer: (C)

When there are no instructions, the best way to move forward with a colleague you don’t see eye to eye is to have a structured discussion aimed at understanding each other and reaching a compromise. Start by calmly outlining the issue and what you’re trying to achieve, then invite your colleague to share their perspective. Ask open-ended questions to uncover assumptions, constraints, and the underlying goals on both sides. Listen actively, restate what you heard to confirm accuracy, and look for common ground. From there, explore options together, weighing pros and cons and how each option aligns with the shared objective. Agree on a concrete path forward, assign responsibilities, and set a clear timeline for follow-up to ensure accountability. This approach keeps the collaboration productive, preserves working relationships, and moves the task forward without avoiding the problem or relying on others to decide for you. Choosing to end collaboration or reassign can disrupt workflow; turning to a supervisor can slow progress; and deciding unilaterally undermines trust and teamwork.