250. How to Navigate Conflict: Tools For Productive Communication

2025-12-16

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Celebrate our 250th episode with expert strategies that make tough conversations easier — and more meaningful.Some of the most meaningful shifts in how we communicate come from the moments that challenge us the most. In this special 250th episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams reflects on the insights that have shown him how conflict can become a catalyst for clarity, connection, and even compassion. From Amy Gallo’s reminder that the “right kind of conflict” leads to better outcomes to Jenn Wynn’s framework for calming our nervous system before stepping into a hard conversat...

Celebrate our 250th episode with expert strategies that make tough conversations easier — and more meaningful.

Some of the most meaningful shifts in how we communicate come from the moments that challenge us the most. In this special 250th episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams reflects on the insights that have shown him how conflict can become a catalyst for clarity, connection, and even compassion.

From Amy Gallo’s reminder that the “right kind of conflict” leads to better outcomes to Jenn Wynn’s framework for calming our nervous system before stepping into a hard conversation and Julia Minson’s HEAR method for signaling genuine curiosity, each tool helps turn tension into understanding for every stage of conflict. And with Joseph Grenny’s guidance on noticing when our motives shift from problem-solving to winning, this episode highlights how self-awareness can reset even the toughest moments.

Whether you’re navigating workplace disagreements or everyday friction at home, this milestone episode offers practical ways to make difficult dialogue feel less daunting — and a real opportunity to communicate better.

Episode Reference Links:

Amy Gallo
Amy’s Book: Getting Along: How to Work With Anyone
Ep.144 Communicating Through Conflict: How to Get Along with Anyone
Jenn Wynn
Jenn’s Podcast: The H.I. Note: Healing Inspirations from Life
Ep.222 Discussing Through Discomfort: Why the Conversations You Avoid Cost You the Most
Julia Minson
Ep.136 The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the Nuance
Joseph Grenny
Joseph’s Book: Crucial Conversations
Ep.207 From Conflict to Connection: Having Crucial Conversations that Count

Music from Blue Dot Sessions:

Etude 3 Chessanta
Etude 1 Cherub

Etude 12 Taminy

Ojufemi

Cloud Cannon

The Caspian Sea

Doghouse

An Opus in Ab

First Results

Cach PKL

Tenaway

Connect: