Structured conflict is an executive’s most useful tool.
Dr. Zach Schaefer is the Founder and CEO of Spark The Discussion. He is also a Speaker, Author, Professor, and Consultant. Spark specializes in diagnosing, designing, and deploying a variety of workplace programs focused on solving internal talent challenges from hire to retire. Dr. Zach shares that the problems you’re dealing with in business are only a symptom of a bigger problem, and that’s a behavioral problem. When you can facilitate a conversation of healthy conflict and solve the behavioral problem, things run a lot smoother in the company!
Key Takeaways:
[1:55] Properly structured conflict is a businessperson’s most useful tool.
[3:20] World-class organizations figure out how to create healthy conflict, but not stay in it.
[5:00] Emotional volatility can be a real issue among CEOs.
[6:20] Although one of Dr. Zach’s clients was seeing a healthy amount of growth within the company, the workplace culture was horrible. People were miserable.
[8:10] High-driven CEOs can also have a “swing for the fences” kind of personality where they take calculated risks, but also have a hard time letting go of control.
[10:15] CEOs who don’t want to let go of control need to remind themselves what they’re working towards.
[11:45] Dr. Zach noticed that when there’s a conflict, three out of four times, it’s not a business issue. It’s a behavioral issue.
[12:55] Trying to understand “what happened” or who made the mistake is the easiest part. It’s what comes after that isn’t; emotions and identity.
[14:15] When does it make sense for Dr. Zach to help in and facilitate healthy conflict?
[19:35] What’s Dr. Zach’s work style and process when working with executives?
[25:25] Dr. Zach doesn’t do virtual consultations. He believes it’s important to be in the room together.
[31:00] After a dialogue has been opened, how does Dr. Zach help his clients continue to do the necessary “people work” without him?
[33:15] It’s not about what a CEO can’t do, it’s about what they have to stop doing.
[36:15] Dr. Zach shares the concept of “Meeting Stew” and “Conflict Chili.”
[39:40] Dr. Zach recommends you do “trust rankings” on your leadership team to get a gauge on what everyone is feeling.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Email Todd: [email protected]
Call Dr. Zach: 618-558-2428
