Managing Conflict

Kate introduces a summer “best loved episodes” revisit of the How to Lead podcast looking at managing workplace conflict and tension. She defines what conflict actually is and explains why it can feel difficult, reframing resolution as a shared struggle toward a creative outcome that preserves everyone’s dignity. Practical tools include separating the person from the problem, shifting language, collecting perspectives, active listening techniques, structured frameworks, and some de-escalation tactics.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Summer Season Intro

01:02 Linda Avoids Conflict

02:33 What Conflict Really Is

04:51 Why Conflict Feels Hard

06:19 Reframing Resolution

07:21 Blame to Systems Thinking

08:34 Practical Conflict Tools

10:40 Models and De Escalation

13:34 Prevent Conflict Early

14:33 Key Takeaways and Wrap