Inclusive Leadership For Dummies

Chapter 14

Dealing with Conflict

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding why we avoid conflict

Recognizing conflict as a tool for higher performance

Looking at the topics we often avoid

Realizing that uncomfortable conversations can be beneficial

Studying models of conflict management

Applying best practice to real-world scenarios

Among the many audiences that I speak to when I’m presenting on the topic of this chapter, I ask them to raise their hand if they like conflict. Of course, very few hands raise because the fact is, none of us really like conflict. Dealing with conflict is one of the most uncomfortable areas of a leader’s job. And far too many leaders have not honed the necessary skills to effectively deal with it. But I confront conflict in this chapter. I address the reasons why we tend to avoid conflict, then detail ways to normalize conflict to enhance performance. Additionally, ...