In this episode, Brad Hook interviews Jennifer Jones-Patulli, an expert in conflict management and human systems dynamics. Jennifer shares her insights on transforming conflict from a destructive force into a creative and productive one. With over two decades of experience, Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge on how leaders can harness the energy of conflict to foster innovation, growth, and strong relational dynamics within organizations.
Key Topics Discussed:
- How Jennifer developed her unique approach to conflict management
- Defining and framing conflict within systems- Practical strategies for leaders to manage conflict constructively
- The role of self-awareness and empathy in conflict resolution
- The future of conflict management in organizational leadership
Key Takeaways:
- Conflict is tension in systems and can be directed positively or negatively.
- Frame conflict as a creative opportunity rather than a threat.
- Self-awareness and empathy are crucial in managing conflict effectively.
- Transform assumptions into questions to facilitate productive dialogue.
- Embrace uncertainty by conducting small, responsible experiments.
Notable Quotes:
- "Conflict can be an amazing creative force in your life if you engage with it in a certain way."
- "Conflict is tension in a system… it can be whatever you make it based on how you handle it."
- "Dealing with uncertainty is about knowing that we can take small, responsible risks, that we can do small controlled experiments that build on each other."
- "Can you position yourself as shoulder to shoulder with that individual rather than adversarial position face to face?"
- "The creative potential of conflict… thinking about our long-term relationships and all the things you've been through that have made not only you stronger but us stronger."
Resources and Links:
Books by Jennifer Jones-Patulli:
- "Reconciling the Carrot and the Stick"
- "The Essential Mary Parker Follett: Ideas We Need Today" (edited volume): https://amzn.to/4foUG4j