How to have hard conversations at work

Louise van Haarst and Alice Driscoll are highly experienced and in-demand leadership and performance coaches and conflict specialists. They are co-founders of leadership consultancy The Power House and co-creators of Smart Conflict®—an evidenced-based approach to handling hard conversations. They have recently released their book Smart Conflict: How to have hard conversations at work (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Smart-Confli...) .





Keywords


conflict resolution, leadership coaching, hard conversations, communication skills, workplace dynamics, emotional intelligence, relational conflict, task conflict, executive coaching, Smart Conflict





Summary


In this conversation, leadership coaches Louise Van Haarst and Alice Driscoll discuss their new book, 'Smart Conflict: How to Have Hard Conversations at Work.' They share their diverse backgrounds in conflict resolution and coaching, emphasising the importance of addressing conflict in leadership roles. The discussion covers common scenarios where conflict arises, introduces their Five Rs framework for effective conflict resolution, and explores the difference between relational and task conflict. They also address how to navigate situations with potential mal-intent and the significance of self-regulation in difficult conversations. The conversation concludes with reflections on the positive reception of their book and its impact on readers.





Takeaways


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Conflict is inherent to human relationships and can lead to growth - in fact, an absence of conflict can be a problem.


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Assuming positive intent can help navigate difficult conversations.


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Self-regulation is crucial in managing conflict effectively.


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The Five Rs framework provides a structured approach to conflict resolution.


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Relational conflict differs from task conflict and requires different strategies.


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Time does not heal; proactive measures are necessary to resolve conflict.


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Understanding the motivations behind conflict can lead to better outcomes.


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Navigating mal-intent requires careful questioning and open-mindedness.






Chapters


00:00 Introduction to Conflict Coaching and the Powerhouse


02:38 Backgrounds of Louise and Alice


05:16 The Journey to Conflict Coaching


08:12 The Importance of Conflict in Organizations


10:47 Common Conflict Scenarios


13:48 The Five Rs Framework for Conflict Resolution


21:01 The Importance of Repair in Relationships


29:25 Understanding Conflict: Relational vs. Task Conflict


33:45 Navigating Malintent in Conversations


40:14 Regulating Emotions During Conflict


42:55 The Impact of the Book and Its Reception