The Key to Preventing Conflict in Leadership Communication: Start With The Goal in Mind

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where things started to feel… tense?

It happened to me recently.

Someone on my team said:

"You didn’t send me the login, or I would have been able to do it."

I instinctively replied:

"You didn’t ask me for it, or I would have given it. You asked if I had online access, and I said yes."

I could already see the response coming: a back-and-forth over who said what.

But before the cycle continued, I paused and said:

"Perhaps I missed it."

That single sentence completely diffused the tension. Instead of arguing, she simply replied:

"Feel free to email it."

So, what changed?

🔹 At first, I was focused on being right. I wanted to prove her wrong. But what would that have accomplished? Nothing - except feeding my own ego.

🔹 The real purpose of the conversation wasn’t to debate - it was to solve the problem. I needed her to complete the task, not engage in a power struggle.

This moment reminded me of a key Leadership Communication HACKS™ principle: 🌟Humility🌟

💡 Lesson Learned:

Before engaging in a conversation, ask yourself:

➡ What’s the goal of this communication?

➡ Am I focused on solving the issue or proving my point?

Often, a little humility is all it takes to turn conflict into collaboration.

👉 Have you ever caught yourself in a conversation where ego almost got in the way of progress? How did you handle it?