Converstion lies at the heart of effective conflict solving. However, a simple conversation might not really lead you anywhere if you don’t know how to navigate through it. 

Check out: 3 Problems Talking Can’t Solve

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Glossary

• pitfall – a hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty
• lateral – of, at, towards, or from the side or sides
• mutual  – experienced or done by each of two or more parties towards the other or others
• detrimental  – tending to cause harm
• bias – inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair
• transcend  – be or go beyond the range or limits of (a field of activity or conceptual sphere)

Think about it

Answer the questions below.

• Is it possible to solve all problems by simply having conversations?
• What types of reflexives did Margaret Archer identify in her research?
• In what kinds of situations can conversations based on mutual understanding and emotional connection be destructive? Why?
• Should conversations always end in consensus? Why? Why not?
• What can be done to make conversations more meaningful?

Practice makes perfect

Fill in the blank spaces with the correct forms of the words in CAPITAL LETTERS.

________ CONSTRUCT conversations are a vital part of any leader’s job ________ DESCRIBE. But the importance of conversation and communication as a ________ LEADER skill is something that can often go ________ EXAMINE. There is now extensive evidence that shows there is a time and place for conversation — and that any leader or aspiring leader would likely benefit from a more serious ________ CONSIDER of the pitfalls of some types of dialogue.  Critically, the nuances that lie within and around conversations are often as important as the conversations themselves.

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