Conflict as a Skill

Most leaders don’t fear conflict – they fear the consequences of mismanaging it. But conflict isn’t a disruption. It’s information. It reveals values, boundaries, assumptions, history, and team dynamics that rarely surface in calm moments.

Every leader has a conflict pattern: withdrawal, appeasement, escalation, control, or intellectualizing. The challenge is to identify these reflexive responses and choose more intentional ones, strengthening relationships rather than straining them.

Handled well, conflict becomes a catalyst for alignment – not a threat to it.

Explore

TED Talk: How to Disagree Productively – Julia Dhar

Book: Crucial Conversations – Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, Switzler

Article: How to Navigate Difficult Conversations with Employees – HBS