This is a Type 2 strategic conflict with a Type 3 political dimension — both leaders have board exposure on their positions, making it hard to back down. Facilitation risk: they defend credibility, notexplore trade-offs. Before the joint session, meet each separately and ask: what outcome would make this meeting worth your time? In the room, openwith: 'We have a board meeting in two weeks and no aligned position on R&D. That is why we are here.' Then surface what each person actually needs — margin protection vs. competitive position — andfind the shared interest: a number the board will fund and the business can execute against.