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The Science of Productive Conflict
Podcast

The Science of Productive Conflict



Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Engaging
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

Remember your last conflict, either at home or at work. What was it about? Were you unable to agree on how a task ought to be completed? Or did deeper issues of personality and values come into play? Did one or both of you try to pull rank? In this episode of WorkLife, organizational psychologist Adam Grant and his expert guests illustrate how defining the nature of a conflict can be the first step to reaching a resolution. 

Take-Aways

  • The first step to productive conflict is to develop a thorough understanding of what the conflict is really about.
  • The “ladder of inference” conflict model can help you recognize the observations, assumptions and conclusions at the heart of the conflict.
  • When dealing with status conflict, first clarify each person’s role. Then express appreciation for the skills each person brings to the table.

About the Podcast

Organizational psychologist Adam Grant is the author of several books and the host of WorkLife, a podcast that explores the science of making work more enjoyable.