Conflict at work doesn’t have to be scary. In this episode of Influence & Impact for Leaders, I talk with Alice Driscoll and Louise Van Haarst, authors of Smart Conflict, about why avoiding tough conversations harms teams — and how to do them better. 

You’ll hear the difference between task and relational conflict, learn their 5R model (Reflection, Regulation, Readiness, Response, Repair) and pick up quick, practical tips you can use to calm my nerves, land your message and repair relationships. 

Alice Driscoll and Louise van Haarst are the founders of The Power House, a global 

leadership development and cultural transformation business on a mission to unlock human and organisational potential. They work with organisations including BBC Studios, PwC, Deutsche Bank, LVMH, Johnson & Johnson, ProperCorn, Bethnal Green Ventures and Zinc VC. 

Their new book ‘Smart Conflict - how to have hard conversations at work’ is a highly 

practical, evidence-based guide to getting good at conflict and hard conversations at work. Whether your default conflict style is avoidant, inflexible or aggressive, this book will give you the tools to embrace Smart Conflict and transform your leadership, your team and maybe your life. 

This is Influence & Impact for Leaders, the podcast that helps leaders like you increase your impact and build a happy and high performing team. Each episode delivers focused, actionable insights you can implement immediately, to be better at your job without working harder. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Buy Smart Conflict, How to have hard conversations at work:  https://mybook.to/SmartConflict   

Download free resources including our read-along workbook: https://thepowerhouse.company/resources 

Take the default conflict style and team diagnostics:  https://thepowerhouse.company/diagnostics 

LinkedIn: Alice Driscoll  

LinkedIn: Louise van Haarst  

Work with Carla: 

• Impactful Teams Scorecard – Discover how your team measures up and how you can grow your team’s impact. 
• 1:1 Leadership Coaching with Carla – get support to help you get your voice heard at work and develop your career. Book a discovery call 

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