

Episode 224 – Talking It Out: Healthy Dialogue, Stronger Teams
15 snips May 5, 2025
Stephen T. Collis, law professor at the University of Texas and author of *Habits of a Peacemaker*, dives into the art of transforming toxic conversations into healthy dialogues. He emphasizes intellectual humility, sincere questioning, and assuming the best in others. Discussions revolve around fostering productive discussions, navigating conflicts, and the importance of forgiveness in team dynamics. Collis advocates for prioritizing mutual respect and understanding over persuasion, providing valuable insights for project managers seeking to enhance team relationships.
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Embrace Intellectual Humility and Framing
- Embrace intellectual humility by admitting what you don't know and deferring to experts.
- Frame conversations early to align teams on shared goals and avoid conflict.
Seek Real Learning and Dissent
- Slow down to seek real learning and gather opposing viewpoints before major decisions.
- Invite dissenting opinions openly to uncover risks and respect your leadership.
Assume Best Intentions
- Assume the best about people's motives rather than assuming bad intent.
- Use journaling or note-taking to reinterpret potentially offensive comments more positively.