Conflict Playbook

Conflict isn’t the problem—

Avoiding it is:

Most people fear conflict
because they think it breaks trust.

But handled right, it builds it…

1️⃣ Prevent it before it starts
• Pause before hard talks.
• Ask, “Is this a good time?”
• Write what you need to say in one clear sentence.

2️⃣ Speak clearly, not sharply
• Use: “When this happens, I feel ___ because ___.”
• Ask before sharing your view.
• Repeat what you heard.

3️⃣ Watch emotions early
• Name what you feel (1–5 scale).
• If tension rises, pause.
• Look for signs — fast talk, silence, or eye rolls.

4️⃣ Fix the real issue
• Ask, “Is this about the person or the problem?”
• Then, “What’s the real issue here?”
• Pick one next step and who owns it.

5️⃣ Make it right
• Recap what was agreed.
• Thank them for honesty.
• If you messed up — say it and fix it fast.

🔸Weekly habits that help:
• Review how conflict went.
• Pick one way to do it better.
• End with gratitude.

🔸Monthly reset:
• Note what’s working.
• Drop what’s not.
• Thank someone who handled it well.

🔸Try this today:
• Write your point in one line.
• Use “I feel…” not blame.
• End with one clear next step.

Conflict isn’t a setback—

It’s feedback.

When you address it with clarity and care,
you don’t just fix the issue—

You strengthen the culture that
makes your team unstoppable.