Manage conflict with conversation, not confrontation.
There’s conflict in every business. Whether it’s subtle or obvious, it’s there. But that’s okay.
Business is always about people. Even solopreneurs have clients. But working inevitably creates opportunity for conflict. It happens within our teams, with our suppliers and with our clients.
The problem isn’t that conflict exists, the problem is that most of us don’t know how to deal with it.
Conflict isn’t a bad thing. In fact, we need it. It helps us identify issues, finesse ideas and make better decisions.
That’s why we need a shift.
It’s natural to feel anxious or uncomfortable when there’s conflict.
Most of us are conflict avoidant at least some of the time. Other times, we throw “fixes” at conflict to make it go away. Either way, ineffective.
As humans, conflict is just one more thing we make harder than it needs to be. So let’s do something about that.
Effective conflict management is about conversation, not confrontation.
Game changer.
Are you ready to get out of your own way? I hope so. Let me show you how.
Hi, I’m Aileen.
An advertiser turned lawyer, I’ve worked in and around conflict a lot. As a lawyer, conflict was my job. It’s still my job, but now I can approach it differently.
I thrive on working together, exploring differences and building relationships. I’m curious, candid, and very comfortable having uncomfortable conversations.
I know how to ask the right questions, spot sticky issues, and uncover practical and strategic solutions. And I do it in a way that is candid but kind, like the friend who tells it like it is and not just what you want to hear.
A Newfoundlander at heart, I’ve happily made Halifax my home, where I live with my husband, Jared, and our dog, Jeff. I love good food, great conversation, and being outside. I’ll jump in the ocean in any season, and I’ve banned myself from plant and garden stores. There’s such a thing as too many!
If you’d like to learn more about me, shoot me an email. I’d love to hear from you: aileen@freshadvice.ca
Who I Work With
If you value ideas, a team approach and want to build trust, candour and collaboration with the people involved in your business, we should probably talk.
We will work well together if your aim isn’t to prevent all conflict from happening in your business. You know that’s unrealistic and unhelpful. You believe conflict can be good when it sparks debate, prompts change and leads to better decision making. You don’t want someone that will just tell you what to do. Instead, you seek the skills and tools to work through conflict now and again when it rears it’s head in future. You’re open to learning about yourself and others.
It’s not just about everyone getting along and maintaining the status quo, it’s about building and leading a business of excellence that people want to be a part of whether it be employees, clients or other partners.
If this sounds like you, l can’t wait to hear from you. Book a confidential, no-commitment discovery call to learn more.
Still not sure? You should still book a discovery call. It’s free, informative and we can have a two-way chat about how we could change the world for the better.
How it works
Effective conflict management always means talking about it.
Thankfully, that sounds harder than it is.
I work with clients in 3-ways:
1:1 coaching - When you’re involved in conflict, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture. Whether your default is avoidance or a flare up, we work together to identify how you approach conflict currently and how it impacts your professional life. Together, we will review past communications and discuss past interactions to see what worked and what could be done differently. We build your skills in a hands-on way. I help you plan and prepare for meetings, conversations and other interactions where conflict comes up. Whether it’s feedback, interpersonal or contractual issues, I will help you manage conflict effectively. Through our work together, you will develop effective conflict management skills for current and future issues.
Facilitation - Whether you avoid or embrace conflict, it helps to have a neutral third-party facilitate conversations about conflict. I facilitate difficult business conversations so you can uncover the real issues, stay engaged, and move forward together. I aim to keep the parties engaged so that they listen and learn from one another. This is especially important when you want (or have) to maintain a business relationship with those involved.
Training - For those I’ve worked with 1:1 or as a facilitator, we keep the momentum going by bringing in the broader team. It starts at the top, but this training aims to create a culture shift for positive conflict management. It’s not just about everyone getting along and maintaining the status quo, it’s about building and leading a business of excellence that people want to be a part of whether it be employees, clients or other partners.
