Opinions Causing Tension in Your Workplace?
Let’s be real: never before have opinions been so loudly divided. And never before have so many people felt so committed to defending their own beliefs that they are willing to let go of relationships.
It only stands to reason that this season we are in is going to impact collaboration, teamwork, and engagement at work. And that will make life very difficult for managers and leaders as they are called on to broker peace and resolve conflicts that often are completely unrelated to work.
But I can help!
The tools and strategies I teach in my book, Turn This Conversation Around and the complimentary workshop, Tackling Difficult Conversations with Confidence have helped teams and organizations shift culture and develop norms for how we communicate, treat each other, and navigate conflict.
The tools and strategies every workplace needs during times like these are found within Navigating Challenging Dialogue® (NCD).
Focus on shared values rather than positions. When someone I cared deeply about saw things differently than I did, it helped me to focus on what we both value from a big picture perspective. By returning the focus to this to what we have in common, we were able to stay connected and work together from a common ground perspective.
Create conversation boundaries without shutting people down. NCD provides frameworks for acknowledging different viewpoints while establishing healthy limits. This isn't about suppressing opinions, but rather creating agreements about when, where, and how potentially divisive topics can be discussed productively. When we are able to function in this way, we are able to build trust and create stronger connections.
Transform accusatory language into curiosity. When tensions rise, NCD teaches us to use curiosity as a tool to increase empathy, understanding, and ultimately build trust. Instead of arguing, defending, blaming or justifying, people are able to defuse tension and defensiveness by using responses such as, "I'm interested in understanding what experiences led you to that perspective".
Build resilience through micro-practices. NCD provides practical, small-scale exercises that individuals and teams can implement daily to strengthen their ability to navigate difficult conversations. These practices help create a culture where differences are approached with emotional intelligence rather than reactivity.
These approaches don't aim to eliminate differences but rather to create a workplace where diverse perspectives contribute to a stronger, more resilient culture rather than undermining it.
We live in a time that if we continue to blow up bridges instead of finding common ground and staying connected, we will not be able to do the complex work that is required of us.
We are stronger together. And we need each other.
If you, like many of my clients, are looking for tools to bridge gaps and decrease the chaos and drama created by divisive topics and value-based differences, I highly recommend exploring these two resources:
The BooK
Turn This Conversation Around: The 4-Stage Process for Communication with Connection
Learn how it’s possible to have positive, productive conversations — even when you may not agree. Beth Wonsonteaches you how to use the proven tools of Navigating Challenging Dialogue®, and the NCD Process, to turn your conversations around using real-world examples of fractured trust and unhealthy conflict. This is the official Navigating Challenging Dialogue® handbook.
The Workshop
Tackling Difficult Conversations with Confidence
Our self-paced, online class based on the Navigating Challenging Dialogue® handbook. Reflection Activities and individual facilitator feedback will coach you through applying NCD to your own personal and professional challenges. You’ll learn Navigating Challenging Dialogue® (NCD), the NCD Process, and the NCD Principles. These are proven tools for effective, fact-based dialogue, even when conversations feel risky. Learn to create connections and achieve results through clear, empathetic communication. You’ll leave the workshop able to apply your new skills immediately. And for teams already using NCD in their workplace, this is a great onboarding tool for new hires. Ask me about our group pricing.
I’d love to support you as you support yourself and your team, schedule a free call with me.