How to respond to collaborators you disagree with

Question

Strictly speaking, one other person and myself are collaborating on a website. Recently, she proposed a change to several images that are included on every page. I didn't personally think this was necessary to begin with, but she felt it was, so I reluctantly agreed to see what she could come up with.

Just recently, she showed me what she did and I really don't like it - it looks slopped through, and more or less is something I could do myself in a few minutes or less. Moreover, the colors don't even match the rest of the site and stylistically is opposite of all the other completed, approved and published work I've done.

This is my first collaborative project of this nature and I have no idea how to react or what to do. Any help would be appreciated.

Note: Even though I've done the majority of the work for this, there's nothing which gives me "power" to just veto her decision.

Answer 1

I'm reminded of Joel's The Iceberg Secret article. You're working on a website, so this is less applicable. And the person you are working with is presumably a techie, so it is even less relevant.

However, the point Joel makes that such changes are nothing is still relevant; you yourself said it looks like it would only take a few minutes. This is the kind of thing that you would show a client and let them decide on, since it takes little effort to change either way.

Answer 2

You can try to take what she's made and then make an improved version of it as compromise, or you can ask the customer (if there is a customer) which way he prefers- her way or yours.

Answer 3

Firstly, I suggest you thank her for her work. It shows you respect her time and effort.

Secondly, say something along the lines of it's not what you had in mind. Mention the specific things you don't like (such as how it doesn't match the other colors on the site).

If you have time, you might work up something to show her that better demonstrates what you would like. Try to avoid getting personally attached to this.

Be prepared for your collaborater to be disappointed or otherwise upset. Be ready to step back and maybe even apologize if your partner's feelings get hurt.

Indicate (and back up) a willingness to work together to find something suitable.

And above all, stay respectful and keep the focus on the work you're doing.

Yeah, it's all easily said and seems like common sense, but not always easily done ... and doesn't seem so common to me when it's me on either side of the coin. :-( Good luck!