Collection

Influencing stakeholders: Managing conflict with self-awareness

When we are faced with workplace conflict and drama, it is helpful to step back and consider our own part in the situation. Understanding our own biases, motivations, and values can help identify and address the concerns of stakeholders and manage tension with grace and effectiveness.

2 women sitting on black sofa
Workbook: Managing stakeholder conflict and drama
Yolanda Beattie
Reading time: 4 minutes

Successfully navigating stakeholder relationships is not just about managing the needs and expectations of others, but requires a significant level of self-awareness too. Understanding your own biases, motivations, and values can help you identify and address the concerns of stakeholders and manage conflict and tension. Find out more and download our Workbook for practical strategies and exercises.

Harvard Business Review logo
You can't sit out office politics
Niven Postma
Reading time: 4 minutes

This HBR article by Niven Postma explores the importance of actively engaging in office politics rather than avoiding or ignoring them. Postma argues that office politics are an inherent part of any workplace, and attempting to stay neutral or detached can have negative consequences for your career and professional relationships.

The Marginalian logo
How to Criticize with Kindness: Philosopher Daniel Dennett on the Four Steps to Arguing Intelligently
Maria Popova
Viewing time: 2 minutes

This Marginalia article explores the art of constructive criticism and offers insights from philosopher Daniel Dennett on how to engage in intelligent and respectful arguments. The article outlines four steps to compose a successful critical commentary and its gold. Here’s the gist:

  1. You should attempt to re-express your target’s position so clearly, vividly, and fairly that your target says, “Thanks, I wish I’d thought of putting it that way.”
  2. You should list any points of agreement (especially if they are not matters of general or widespread agreement).
  3. You should mention anything you have learned from your target.
  4. Only then are you permitted to say so much as a word of rebuttal or criticism.
Harvard Business Review logo
The necessary art of persuasion
Jay A. Conger
Reading time: 15 minutes

This extensive article by leadership expert Jay A. Conger explores the crucial skill of persuasion in leadership and offers practical strategies to further develop your skills. Key to persuasion is understanding the interests and motivations of the audience, building credibility, and tailoring the message to resonate with their needs. Conger highlights the significance of developing strong relationships, listening actively, and adapting communication styles to connect with different individuals, using storytelling to create a compelling narrative to influence and persuade others.

Navigating the complexities of stakeholder dynamics is not just about managing the needs and expectations of others, but requires a significant level of self-awareness too. By understanding your behaviour and reframing limiting beliefs, you can transform challenging situations into opportunities for growth and influence. 

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