5. Find alternatives

Arbitration may be conducted by an authoritative figure, such as the project sponsor, the client, or a member of management, when the stakes warrant it. This approach ensures a swift and legitimate decision to prevent the situation from becoming deadlocked.

In the event of a deadlock, it may be necessary to postpone the decision. This delay can be used to:

• analyze the root causes of the disagreement (for example, through individual interviews or collaborative workshops);

• gather additional data to support each party's arguments;

• allow everyone to reflect on their position and consider new options or possible compromises.

Another approach is to bring in a mediator from outside or within the project. The mediator acts...