Bridge Module #7

Transforming Conflict 

Great leaders work through conflict.

Great leaders know how to work through conflict in empowering ways regardless of the outcome. Conflict is inevitable and unavoidable, but it is possible to become more differentiated as a leader in ways that can transform hard relationships into constructive growth for both sides and the organization's overall culture. Conflict is also systemic, which means our personal and professional pasts inform our current actions, which usually result in "fight, flight, or freeze." Instead, we help leaders access more of themselves to move beyond conflict avoidance, management, and resolution and into the constructive opportunity for conflict transformation.

  1. Learn & Grow

2. Explore & Discuss

Conflict is inevitable. Conflict is triggered and more intense with those closest to you at home and work. We believe the more connected and understanding you become of your conflict mindset, the stronger chance you have to respond more clearly and constructively today.

Q. How do you feel about conflict?

Q. How do you typically respond to conflict? Fight, Flight, or Freeze?

Q. How was conflict handled in your home growing up, and how did that influence, shape, and inform how you feel and respond to conflict today in your life and leadership?

3. Integrate & Explore

Conflict has a way of creating or compounding the challenges we face in our life and leadership. Bring into focus the people and situations that are generating noticeable conflict in your life at this moment.

Q: How could you mis-handle this conflict?
Q: What happens if you can’t find resolve?
Q: What does leading through this conflict in a healthy way look like?

4. Apply & Practice

Remember, every module will end with the offer for you to take this work further in some way.

ACTIVITY: FIGHT, FLIGHT, OR FREEZE
It is common for leaders to impulsively engage in the typical "fight, flight, or freeze" responses when dealing with conflict. Use our guided exercise to integrate your common responses before accessing some of the 8c's of self-leadership (Dr. Richard Schwartz). CLICK HERE here to download the exercise.

READ: CONFLICT BOOKS
There are several helpful books on navigating conflict that you could consider purchasing, reading, and applying.
- Crucial Conversations
- How to Solve Your People Problems
- Think Again