When Conflict Is a Polite Word for Pain

During leadership sessions, when we get to conflict, most people in the room have an emotional response.

Some people wax toward anger. Others are driven to tears. Some refuse to talk about it at all.

If we connect conflict with pain, of course no one wants to talk about it. Pain often connects to fear, and fear connects to feeling threatened. Nobody likes to feel threatened.

However, conflict is always an opportunity for growth.

I’ll say it again: conflict is always an opportunity for growth.

When you can leave threatening consequences, fear, and the potential for pain at the door, you allow for constructive communication and insightful feedback from all directions.

How can you unpack conflict and challenge the individuals involved to be solution-oriented?

Are you willing to do this hard, yet crucial work?