Navigating Conflict Resolution: Insights and Tips for Young CPAs with Carol Bowser

“A conflict means something important is at stake. Empathy has an inverse relationship to conflict; the higher the conflict, the empathy bucket goes out because we're living in our own pain points.” -Carol Bowser

The finer details of this episode:

●       Need for conflict-resolution skills in the workplace

●       Navigating conflicts in a remote work environment

●       Recognizing generational and cultural differences in conflict-resolution approaches

●       Practical tips for handling unexpected conflicts and receiving feedback

●       Importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in conflict resolution

●       Advice for entering the workforce and approaching conflicts

Episode resources:

●Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/

●Email us with questions or if you’d like to be a guest on the show: youngcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com

●We’re hiring! Check out our open positions: https://www.summitcpa.net/career-opportunities

●https://conflictmanagementstrategies.com/about-us/carol-bowser-jd/

●https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-bowser/

Timestamps:

Introduction (00:00:00)

Overview of the podcast and its relevance to young accounting professionals.

Challenges in the Accounting Profession (00:00:23)

Discussion on the tough nature of the accounting industry and the need for conflict resolution skills.

Becoming a Conflict Resolution Expert (00:01:30)

Carol’s journey from employment law to becoming a conflict-resolution expert.

Understanding Conflict Resolution (00:05:15)

Defining conflict resolution and discussing the right and wrong approaches to handling conflicts in the workplace.

Personal Experiences and Insights (00:08:21)

Personal experiences and insights related to conflict resolution in the accounting industry.

Navigating Conflict in the Workplace (00:08:56)

The importance of developing conflict resolution skills early in one's career and the impact of experience on handling conflicts.

Power Dynamics and Generational Differences (00:10:22)

Exploring power dynamics, generational differences, and work-life balance in the context of conflict resolution.

Challenges in Remote Work Environment (00:12:03)

Challenges and adjustments in conflict resolution when transitioning to a more flexible and remote work environment.

Cultural Blindness and Communication Challenges (00:13:44)

Discussion on cultural blindness, communication challenges, and the impact of generational differences on conflict resolution.

Empathy and Multi-Layered Conflict Resolution (00:18:56)

The importance of empathy and multi-layered approaches to conflict resolution, including situational awareness and emotional intelligence.

The empathy-conflict relationship (00:21:04)

Discussion on the inverse relationship between empathy and conflict, emphasizing the need to recognize everyone's point of pain.

Preparation for conflict resolution (00:22:12)

Advice for initiating conflict resolution conversations in a neutral and empathetic manner, highlighting the importance of time for emotional catch-up.

Dealing with unexpected conflict (00:24:06)

Issues of unexpected conflict and seeks advice on responding in such scenarios.

Handling unexpected feedback (00:30:02)

Concerns about receiving feedback and seeks advice for younger CPAs, leading to discussion on fear of feedback and its impact on personal growth.

Navigating feedback and conflict in the workplace (00:31:16)

Challenges of giving and receiving feedback, highlighting the judgmental nature of feedback and its impact on personal and professional development.

Seeking clarity and asking questions (00:38:38)

Importance of asking questions about the organizational culture and decision-making processes, emphasizing the role of trust in navigating workplace dynamics.

Interviewing the firm (00:40:17)

Significance of candidates asking about conflict resolution in an interview, highlighting the power balance and the freedom to interview the firm.

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace (00:41:26)

Discussion on advice for handling conflicts in the workplace and finding comfort in conflict resolution.

Approaching Conflict Conversations (00:41:55)

Insights on recognizing the importance of conflicts, framing proposals, and understanding the other party's ask in conflict conversations.

Reflecting on Conflict Resolution (00:44:47)

Reflections on improving conflict resolution skills and becoming the go-to person for conflict resolution.

Connecting with Conflict Resolution Expert (00:47:40)

Information on how to connect with the conflict resolution expert for personal development and professional services.

Career Development Opportunities (00:48:31)

Promotion of remote work opportunities and open positions for young CPAs at Summit Virtual CFO and Anders CPAs and Advisors.