In this episode, I sit down again with Dr. Jason Kuhl to talk through one of the most important leadership skills: how to handle conflict when the stakes are high.

We discuss why tough conversations often go sideways, especially when people feel rushed, defensive, or unheard. Dr. Kuhl and I talk about the need to slow the process down, name the tension in the room, and create enough safety for people to think clearly.

We also explore the importance of preparation before difficult meetings. Leaders cannot just walk into conflict and hope it goes well. They need to understand the people, the motivations, the emotions, and the real problem underneath the surface.

A key takeaway is that psychological safety is not the absence of threat. It is the presence of relationship. When leaders build trust before the meeting, they have a much better chance of guiding people through tension when it matters most.

The conversation is practical, honest, and full of reminders that influence under pressure starts with preparation, curiosity, humility, and the willingness to slow down long enough to get it right.

👉  Download The Leader’s Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.

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