In business and sporting organisations conflict is widespread and there is a need for leaders and managers to be able to prevent, manage and master difficult conversations to improve the overall culture.  As a result, people then feel more respected and valued, job satisfaction improves, as well as performance and the mental health of those involved.

Today’s episode looks to help you in this respect where author and conflict crisis consultant, Nicole Posner, helps you understand the psychology behind difficult conversations and why we avoid them.  She discusses what creates and drives conflict and offers some tools to better deal with conflict.

Feel free to tune in!

Key Learning Points:

• Fear can take over where we fear losing control, fear the confrontation or fear being judged.
• Our brain often goes into protect mode when we are faced with difficult conversations.
• Power dynamics play a huge role in conflict management.
• Unresolved conflict can play a part in mental health challenges for some people.
• Improving your self-awareness and emotional intelligence is paramount in conflict management and resolution.
• When giving feedback, being curious is a great tool to use as is listening attentively.
• By simply making time for small talk, you take a proactive approach in preventing difficult conversations. 

Connect with Nicole Posner

LinkedIn

Nicole Posner Conflict Crisis Consultant Website

Book written by Nicole Posner

And Breathe...: Prevent, Manage and Master Difficult Leadership Conversations in Business and Beyond!

Connect with David Charlton

Sign Up to The Mental Edge

Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

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Relevant Podcast Episodes

Ep041: Paul McGee - How to Develop Interpersonal Confidence

Ep120: David Charlton - Sport Coach Development: Helping Athletes Perform Better by Adapting How You Communicate

Ep128: Paula Eddy-Wilcox – Can You Show Vulnerability and Be Mentally Tough? Yes!

Ep199 Audrie Woodhouse – Leadership: How To Mentally Prepare Yourself For Public Speaking

Ep201 Dr John Perry and Doug Strycharczyk - Even The Mentally Tough Can Find Things A Struggle Without Self Awareness

Relevant Resources to Promote Positive Cultures

Blog: 3 Tips to deal with bullying in sport

Blog: Why You Should Recognise The Power of Your Words

Blog: How Coaches Can Help Athletes Deal with Mistakes

Blog: 5 Ways To Create A Psychological Safe Sporting Environment

Blog: How Mentally Healthy is Your Clubs Sporting Environment

The Mental Edge - How to Assert Yourself so That Other People Don’t Throw You Off Your Game

The Mental Edge - How to Improve The Skills of Team Captains