In this episode of the 5 Leadership Questions podcast Todd Adkins, Eric Geiger, and Barnabas Piper discuss how leaders can best handle conflict. It seems conflict is inevitable in leadership, so what can leaders do to manage and respond to it well?

* Can a leader avoid conflict? Why or why not?

* What are the consequences for conflict avoidance?

* Is there such a thing as healthy conflict and, if so, how can a leader foster it?

* What are the worst ways to handle conflict as a leader?

* What are the most helpful ways to handle conflict as a leader?

Best Quotes

“A leader cannot avoid conflict.”

“If you’re actually leading something you’re going to have conflict.”

“Forward progress usually comes with conflict.”

“Healthy conflict is where people are not attacking each other, they are attacking a problem or challenge.”

“If a leader runs from conflict there will be a lack of trust on the team.”

“If a leader avoids conflicts critical issues are not addressed and incompetence is allowed.”

“If leaders avoids conflict the culture becomes passive aggressive.”

“An organization that avoids conflict just can’t get as much done.”

“Healthy conflict keeps negative conflict at bay.”

“A big part of conflict management is asking good questions.”

“Leaders must surface the problems.”

“Leaders must show a better way.”

“Put the goal on the board and get the best people around the table.”

“There are so many people who aren’t successful because they quit too soon.”

“Put the opportunity on the board and get the best people around the table.”

“Fight for something instead of against something.”

“We have a tendency to focus on the naysayers. Don’t do that. Focus on the people who are positive about change.”

Recommended Resources

EricGeiger.com