Leveraging Conflict to Strengthen Relationships
SUMMARY
Do you sometimes feel like a referee in your role as a leader? This is very common among the leaders I work with, and it was certainly something I also struggled with.
Hi, this is Grant Herbert, leadership and sustainable performance coach, and today I want to conclude our conversation this month around relationships by helping you leverage conflict to strengthen your team.
Conflict is inevitable. It will happen whenever there are humans working with humans.
In each conflict resolution conversation, I recommend using five simple steps: set the scene, gather data, agree on the problem, brainstorm possible solutions, and follow through.
TRANSCRIPT
Do you sometimes feel like a referee in your role as a leader?
Hi, this is Grant Herbert, leadership and sustainable performance coach, and today I want to conclude our conversation this month around relationships by helping you leverage conflict to strengthen your team.
Conflict is inevitable. It will happen whenever there are humans working with humans.
Instead of viewing conflict as something negative to avoid at all costs, I encourage you to consider it from a different perspective. Conflict is a healthy part of every team's growth.
Back at the start of this journey of the 9 Crucial Shifts, we talked about identity and the beliefs people hold. All these factors contribute to behaviours that cause conflict. So, instead of viewing conflict as something negative, consider it from a different perspective.
There are several approaches to handling conflict. You can avoid it, you can accommodate others by raising the white flag, you can become aggressive and competitive, or you can choose to collaborate. Collaboration might mean finding a middle ground where both parties contribute to the resolution.
In each conflict resolution conversation, whether you are leading it or simply participating, I recommend using five simple steps:
The first step is to set the scene. The second step is to gather data. The third step is to agree on the problem. The fourth step is to brainstorm possible solutions. And the fifth is to follow through with an agreed action.
Well, that's it from me for another week. Join me again next week as we shift from this conversation around relationships into the ninth area, which is results. I'll see you then.
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