This field guide provides a structured 7-step conversation map for team leads, supervisors, managers, directors, and executives to resolve tension early, protect trust, and turn difficult discussions into clear action. It includes conversation scripts, a 10-minute conflict prep worksheet, and guidance for when conversations get stuck.
This document is a practical leadership field guide designed for team leads, supervisors, managers, directors, and executives. It provides a 7-step conversation map for resolving tension early, protecting trust, and turning difficult discussions into clear action. The guide emphasizes that the goal is not to eliminate conflict but to keep it productive, direct, and short-lived.
The guide begins with a leadership shift, reframing conflict as not the problem but avoidance as the issue. It outlines signs that conflict is costing the work, such as information not flowing, cooperation dropping, morale being dragged down, and intent getting distorted. A 24-hour decision rule helps leaders decide whether a direct conversation is needed.
The core of the guide is the 7-step Conversation Map: Evaluate, Go Direct, Listen, Commitment Check, Solution Focus, Action Plan, and Acknowledge. Each step is explained in order, moving the energy from reaction and venting toward ownership, decisions, and follow-through. The guide emphasizes not skipping from problem to solution.
Conversation scripts provide specific, non-attacking language for each step, including a three-part opening (I feel [emotion] when [specific behavior] because [impact on the work]), listening in the open, asking for commitment, turning to action, and closing the loop. It also warns against attack-defend patterns.
The guide addresses when conversations get stuck, distinguishing between a red light (someone is not ready to solve it this way) and a green light (everyone wants different results). It offers a facilitator quick check and identifies three shortcuts that create repeat conflict: fixing too fast, waiting too long, and stirring the pot.
A 10-minute conflict prep worksheet is included for use before a difficult conversation. It prompts the user to identify the specific situation or behavior, its impact on the work, craft an opening statement, and plan for listening, commitment, and follow-up. The guide is sourced from About Leaders and promotes the Ultimate Leader On-Demand system.