887: How to Navigate Conflict and Find Clarity with Marc Lesser
Aug 3, 2023
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Marc Lesser, speaker and executive coach, discusses navigating conflict and finding clarity. Learn why conflict shouldn't be feared, the question to ask difficult people, and how to assess relationships in 4 words. They also explore mindful leadership, compassionate accountability in the workplace, anonymous employee surveys, and addressing tension and gaps in relationships.
Conflict should be seen as an opportunity for growth and clarity in conversations and relationships.
Asking 'How are we doing?' encourages open communication and helps address the gaps in difficult relationships.
Deep dives
Importance of Embracing Conflict
The podcast episode emphasizes that conflict should not be feared. Instead, it should be embraced as an opportunity for growth and clarity in difficult conversations and relationships.
Key Question for Dealing with Difficult People
The episode highlights the importance of asking the question 'How are we doing?' when dealing with difficult people. This question encourages open communication, understanding, and addressing the gaps in the relationship.
Assessing Relationships with Four Words
The podcast suggests that in order to assess a relationship, individuals should ask the simple question 'How are we doing?' This question helps to gain insight into the dynamics of the relationship and to identify areas for improvement.
Compassionate Accountability
The episode introduces the concept of compassionate accountability, which involves holding oneself and others accountable in a way that combines care, trust, and compassion. It emphasizes the importance of aligning goals, addressing challenges, and having crucial conversations in a supportive and empathetic manner.
Marc Lesser is a speaker, facilitator, workshop leader, and executive coach. He is the author of four books, including Seven Practices of a Mindful Leader: Lessons from Google and a Zen Monastery Kitchen, and CEO of ZBA Associates, an executive development and leadership consulting company. Lesser helped develop the world-renowned Search Inside Yourself (SIY) program within Google and was director of Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, the oldest Zen monastery in the Western world. He lives in Marin County, California, and leads Mill Valley Zen, a weekly meditation group.