High Conflict vs. Generative Conflict
Conflict does not have to be as bad as it often feels. Conflict is a source of energy for change, and it always has the potential to lead to new possibilities and deeper relationships. But for this to happen, we need to build the skills and determination to avoid the lure of high conflict whenever possible.
This is what is meant by the idea of generative conflict.
Why We Gossip About People at Work
Leaders often try to get people to stop gossiping without a deeper understanding of what is driving the behaviour. Is there conflict that needs to be addressed? Are there systemic issues that people are upset about? Getting people to stop the behaviour is very hard if we are not addressing the root cause.
Why We Avoid Conflict in the Workplace
Conflict is unavoidable. It is a natural part of human interaction. When we try to avoid it, we usually make it worse. The best thing you can do to improve your team dynamic is develop your own capacity to engage in conflict, and support others to do the same.
Generative Conflict: Leadership Skills for Healthy Workplaces
Online. Tuesdays October 2 to November 20, 2023.
What if you were able to approach conflict as a source of learning, creativity, and possibility rather than as something to fear and avoid? Learn skills to support your team to have generative conflict.
How to Know When We’re Leading from Reactivity
There is no one right way to engage in conflict, but it is possible to have less reactivity and more choice in our responses. With choice, we can have more fluidity, a sense of capacity, and feel in alignment with our dignity. Leaders have a greater responsibility to develop a range of ways to respond in conflict because of the power attached to their role.
Five Questions to Begin Your New Relationship with Conflict
Five Questions to Begin Your New Relationship with Conflict Brook Thorndycraft I used to be afraid of conflict, and I had the survival strategies to match that fear. Sometimes I would come out swinging hard, if I felt righteous, or particularly angry. Other times, I would give up my own needs and boundaries to protect […]
Preventing workplace conflict: Part One
Preventing workplace conflict: Part One Brook Thorndycraft Prevention saves an organization time and energy A new manager faces a conflict that has gone on for several years. The previous manager ignored signs of conflict within the team, hoping it would go away. The manager taking over the team contacts me in the hope I can […]
Preventing workplace conflict: Part Two
You can create a healthy conflict culture: a space with the fluidity and flexibility to encourage disagreement, prevent serious harm, and learn from both successes and mistakes. In this kind of setting conflicts are less likely to escalate into a crisis that requires costly and traumatic intervention.
Preparing for Courageous Conversations
Preparing for Courageous Conversations Brook Thorndycraft Have you ever known that you needed to have a difficult conversation with someone, but you felt too overwhelmed or confused to know where to start? Has someone wanted to have a conversation with you and all you wanted to do was run away and hide? In my work […]