Talking through tough issues at work can help initiate change and influence others by presenting different perspectives and approaches to solving problems. When we engage in healthy debate and work through conflict, our team is much closer to realizing its next innovative idea, product, or service.

Yet when we engage in challenging conversations, they have the potential of straining our professional relationships. They can also erode our health and well-being. As a result, many of us are conflict-avoidant, and there are good evolutionary reasons we exercise caution when conflict arises.

Our brains are wired to keep us safe from harm. When conflict arises, internal alarm bells ring loud, and we cling to what feels most comfortable. Tension arises, and psychological safety deteriorates. Specifically, we may fear negative consequences should we engage in a challenging conversation where we are uncertain of the outcome.

So how do we build the stamina required to talk through tough issues that arise at work when our instinct is to run in the opposite direction? Meaningful dialogue in any form requires two key ingredients: 1) risk, and 2) vulnerability. Risk arises because we are uncertain of the outcome, and vulnerability is necessary to maintain our presence as the dialogue continues to unfold.

Fortunately, this episode’s featured thought leader, Dr. Elisa Glick, will offer suggestions based on her deep experience about how to create and maintain the conditions required to skillfully talk through tough issues at work.

Dr. Glick is a DEIB consultant, thought leader, and inclusive teaching expert. She is the first openly gay faculty member specializing in queer studies to be tenured at the University of Missouri, where she is Associate Professor Emerita. As the Founder and President of Elisa Glick Consulting, Elisa helps leaders and teams to have courageous conversations, overcome barriers to connection, and foster trust and collaboration.

This conversation is specifically designed to support executive leaders, DEIB practitioners, HR professionals, and other people leaders seeking everyday actions they can take to tame the tension that often arises when dialogue around tough issues is required. Together, we will explore:

---Strategies on how to override the brain’s instinct to avoid conflict at all costs.

---Actions required to frame the conversation and establish community agreements.

---Behaviors that promote a shared sense of trust among participants in the dialogue.

---Ways to repair the environment if the trust they have created is eventually tested.

https://elisaglick.com/blogtest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-glick-phd

Savor this insightful talk, and if you’re looking for more ways to connect with inspiring leaders like Dr. Elisa Glick, be sure to join the Belonging Membership Community – a community of leaders committed to advancing their DEIB goals while practicing community care. Members have the unique opportunity to engage with our featured thought leaders 1:1 after our podcast recordings where they can participate in a private laser coaching session with our guests.

To learn more about the Belonging Membership Community, please visit: www.belongingmembershipcommunity.com.