Leadership Tip

How to make conflict collaborative, not combative

Shying away from open, healthy conflict about work issues may make you feel like a nice person, but it’s an unproductive habit.

Although conflict can be uncomfortable, it is the source of true innovation and a critical process in identifying and mitigating risks. Attention to your delivery can help you maintain your self-image as a nice person - even in conflict. When dealing with someone who disagrees with you, try these tactics to remain collaborative, not combative:

1. Express your contrary opinion as an “and,” not a “but.” It’s not necessary for someone else to be wrong for you to be right.

2. Ask open-ended questions rather than stating conclusions. “How is that going to land with our customers?” feels much less aggressive than “Our customers will be angry.”


The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.


HOW TO THRIVE IN THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES
As part of the government's current business support packages, we have been awarded funding to deliver our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme "live and online" to help those now working from home. This 10-week cyclical programme, leading to the award of a certificate in leadership development, offers cutting-edge insights into change, resilience, wellbeing, motivation, teams, communication, strategy, influencing, effectiveness and self-awareness. READ MORE


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