The communication playbook: From conflict to collaboration with HBR’s Amy Gallo

Can conflict actually make your team stronger?

In this episode of How to Make a Leader, communication expert and Harvard Business Review podcast host Amy Gallo discusses the communication dynamics that shape high-performing professionals and teams.

Amy shares strategies to build trust, improve collaboration, and ensure that even the toughest conversations lead to progress. Whether you’re a team leader, an aspiring manager, or someone navigating complex work relationships, this episode is packed with insights to strengthen your communication skills and leadership approach.

You’ll learn:

• How high performing teams disagree respectfully and collaboratively
• How to approach difficult conversations in the workplace
• Strategies to improve communication across remote, hybrid, and in-person teams
• The leadership mindset shift that drives long-term success

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introducing Amy Gallo
(01:39) Building trust quickly to enhance workplace communication
(04:57) Three key principles for navigating workplace conflict
(09:34) How remote and hybrid work impact workplace communication
(13:31) Strategies to prevent miscommunication in digital environments
(18:38) When to vent, when to wait, and when to take action
(21:27) What distinguishes high-performing teams from struggling teams
(24:49) Leadership strategies to encourage open and honest communication
(29:08) Emotional regulation and its impact on leadership effectiveness
(35:25) How societal tensions are influencing workplace interactions
(39:39) Maintaining composure in high-conflict situations
(44:13) Why connection should be a leadership priority

To learn more about Amy and her work, check out her Linkedin profile, her website, and her podcast. Read Amy Gallo’s book: Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People).

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