Navigating tough conversations at work with Amanda Perez Leder
Nov 19, 2024
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Amanda Perez Leder, a conflict resolution specialist with over 20 years of experience, shares her expertise in tackling workplace discord. She discusses how unresolved conflict can jeopardize organizational missions and offers strategies for turning disagreements into growth opportunities. Amanda emphasizes the need for effective communication in stressful environments and highlights the importance of psychological safety. With practical tips like the 'looping' technique and advocating for respectful disagreement, she empowers leaders to foster a healthier work culture.
Timely intervention and facilitated conversations are crucial for resolving workplace conflicts and fostering understanding among employees.
Building trust through informal interactions and promoting open dialogue can combat toxic workplace culture and enhance organizational effectiveness.
Deep dives
The Role of Conflict Resolution in Organizations
Conflict resolution is increasingly essential within organizations, as mismanagement or avoidance of conflict can hinder the ability to achieve values and missions. Many organizations, particularly those in social justice and healthcare, face challenges related to high levels of trauma and polarized environments, which complicate communication and conflict management. As organizations experience shifts—such as the introduction of telehealth—there is a growing need for specialists who can translate difficult topics and foster a culture that embraces productive disagreement. By focusing on conflict resolution, employees can enhance organizational effectiveness and create a healthier workplace environment.
Understanding Conflict Dynamics
Conflict in the workplace rarely resolves itself over time; it often requires timely intervention to foster understanding and collaboration. A mediator's role is crucial in creating a neutral and safe environment where parties can share their perspectives and work toward understanding. As misunderstandings can escalate, bringing in a third-party facilitator can help individuals listen actively and evaluate each other’s viewpoints without judgment. This addresses the underlying issues and promotes a pathway toward mutually acceptable solutions, rather than further entrenching divisions.
Navigating Toxic Workplace Culture
A growing concern within organizations is the emergence of toxic workplace culture, marked by low trust and poor communication. This toxicity may mirror broader societal polarization, making it critical for leaders to facilitate more meaningful interactions within their teams. Leaders are encouraged to create opportunities for informal, casual encounters that build trust and understanding among employees, fostering positive emotional reservoirs that can be relied upon during conflicts. Organizations can combat toxicity by promoting an environment of open dialogue and understanding, rather than a culture that simply labels behaviors as toxic without addressing the underlying issues.
Personal Strategies for Effective Conflict Engagement
Individuals looking to enhance their conflict navigation skills can focus on active listening and seeking to understand their colleagues' perspectives before expressing their own. Techniques such as 'looping', which involve paraphrasing and checking for accuracy in conversations, can significantly improve understanding in difficult discussions. Additionally, leaders should model humility by acknowledging their limitations and inviting others to challenge their ideas in constructive ways. By fostering a culture that separates personal feelings from conflicts over organizational goals, teams can better engage in productive conversations that lead to innovative solutions.
Rachel talks with Amanda Perez Leder, conflict resolution specialist about how unresolved conflict can undermine an organization’s mission and how timely, facilitated conversations to foster healthier, value-driven environments. Their discussion offers practical strategies for turning workplace disagreements into growth opportunities.
For more from Amanda Perez Leder, find her on LinkedIn!
Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.