I can tell you that, for most executives, interpersonal drama is the least fun part of their job.
I spend a lot of time helping people through challenging situations at work. One thing I see time and again is the power of messaging – the simple phrases we use – for navigating these situations and preventing them in the first place. Used effectively, the right question or comment, in the right context, can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of your communication and leadership.
I’ve started collecting a number of go-to messages that work especially well in those awkward moments that could escalate into conflict. The following four stand out because they come up so frequently. Try these out, and you’ll see your leadership improve and your interpersonal conflict decrease …