Navigating Workplace Conflict: How to Have More Influence, Less Drama, and Better Collaboration

When there are problems to solve, and people who care (and there are so many things to care about), you’ll face conflict. And if you want to have more success, influence, and joy in your work, you’ve got to navigate it well. But conflict is hard. You weren’t born knowing the perfect words to say when you’re angry, dealing with a jerk, or when someone calls your game-changing idea “stupid.”

This session will help you master any workplace conflict with confidence and ease, have less drama and better results, and thrive at work. You’ll leave with the courage, confidence, and competence to navigate even the trickiest conflict scenarios and build better, lasting collaboration.

Outline

  • 00:05:30 - The personal story from Karin Hurt

Hurt, a co-founder of ‘Let's Grow Leaders’, shares a personal story as a newly promoted executive. This anecdote reveals how her fear of vulnerability hampered the development of a complete diversity strategy. Upon the realization of this, Hurt encourages leaders to listen actively and remain open to employees' stories and experiences.

  • 00:15:00 - State of Workplace Conflict by David Dye

Dye paints a picture of the current state of conflicts in the workplace, using data based on a survey conducted with over 5000 participants from 45 different countries. He discusses modern triggers such as pandemic-based anxieties and poor management practices, and calls for a commitment to connect, empathize, and provide support for personnel.

  • 00:24:50 - The Importance of Conflict and Collaboration Conversations

The importance of addressing workplace conflict and promoting open conversations is delved into here. Hurt touches on four dimensions: connection, clarity, commitment, and curiosity. They also provide advice on staying calm, patient, and open during these crucial conversations.

  • 00:33:00 - The Human Connection

In the first dimension, Hurt stresses the need for ensuring a human connection before engaging in conflict conversations. She provides constructive phrases like "tell me more" and "reflect to connect" which make conversants feel heard and cared for.

  • 00:39:00 - The Need for Clarity

In the interest of clarity, Hurt talks about setting clear expectations and ask probing questions like "what would a successful outcome do for you?" or "check for understanding."

  • 00:47:10 - The Power of Curiosity

Hurt references an incident with a disengaged meeting participant to stress the need for curiosity and understanding of others' perspectives by asking questions like "what do you suggest we do next."

  • 00:52:35 - The Role of Commitment

Dye emphasizes the importance of commitment. He advises to clarify specific actions, recap agreements, and organize follow-up discussions to test commitment.

  • 00:57:10 - The Conference Conclusion

To wrap up, Karin Hurt introduces their new book, "Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict," promising it as a resource to build confidence and improve team collaboration. She also stresses the importance of finding the right time and place to address concerns.