Conflict Is a Skill—Here’s How to Get Better at It

Most of us have been taught to see conflict as a sign that something has gone wrong. Today’s guest, Priya Parker, sees it differently. After more than two decades working in conflict resolution, she believes the right kind of fight can bring us closer, make our teams stronger, and help us understand each other better. In her new book, The Art of Fighting, Priya gives us the language and the skill set to do it well. Priya joins Emma Grede to talk about why so many of us choose what she calls “unhealthy peace,” and what we lose when we avoid saying what we really think. They explore how our families and cultures shape the way we fight, why some disagreements are worth staying in, and how to tell when it’s time to let go. This is a conversation about what healthy conflict can look like in practice and how our differences can ultimately bring us together. In this episode, you’ll learn:The questions to ask yourself before deciding whether a fight is worth havingWhy calming your body can change the way you show up in a difficult conversationHow leaders can make it safer for people with less power to speak honestlyHow Slack and digital tools have changed workplace culture Why humor and play can help people move through conflict without losing connectionSpecific examples from Priya’s work in conflict resolution, from boardrooms to restaurantsThe simple language Priya uses to start a hard conversation with someone she cares about