Why Leaders Avoid Difficult Conversations
It’s not just about discomfort – it’s about fear of failure, lack of confidence, and corporate politics. Leaders hesitate because they don’t feel supported, don’t want to look incompetent, or they’re trying to keep the peace with their team. But avoiding conflict doesn’t keep the peace – it makes things worse.
What Most Leaders Don’t Know
Every big problem in an organization can be traced back to a conversation that should have happened but didn’t. The reason: Most of us have been conditioned to avoid conflict, we unconsciously see conflict as a problem to avoid at all costs. But conflict itself isn’t the problem – mismanagement is. Mismanagement costs companies millions in lost productivity, customer complaints, safety, lawsuits, and turnover. For a snapshot of conflict management and to learn more about The Performannce Coaching Model, click one of the buttons below:
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Are you building a culture of accountability or a culture of avoidance?
"Marlene wowed our global marketing team with a leadership workshop that was not only insightful, but highly actionable. I personally came away with a deeper understanding of why conflict happens, how it presents in the workplace, and what my team and I personally can do to navigate toward more successful outcomes. She used stories and examples that made the framework relatable, intuitive, and easy to apply in the everyday. I highly recommend Marlene for any team seeking to level-up their communication and leadership skills!"
Donna StokesSVP & CMO, LexisNexis Risk Solutions
You made it very easy to learn and apply. What I really love is that you have a system and a process.
I have been coached before without either and never had the level of learning in this length of time.
Brent A. Baker, P.E.Associate General Manager – Customer Operations & Communications, City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri
How can you see conflict as a teacher and courageously face it?
Read my new book:
From Conflict to Courage: How to Stop Avoiding and Start Leading
