In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Simon Woodroffe, the founder of Yo Sushi and Yotel, and a former dragon on Dragon's Den. Simon shares his journey from a headstrong entrepreneur with little formal education to a leader who values connection and rapport in business. He reflects on the challenges of navigating relationships in the entrepreneurial world and emphasizes the importance of building goodwill and trust. The discussion touches on personal development, the significance of emotional connections in leadership, and the cultural differences in service and teamwork. Simon also shares pivotal moments in his life that led to his transformation, highlighting the necessity of self-love and respect in fostering meaningful relationships. This episode is a rich exploration of leadership, personal growth, and the evolving nature of business in today's world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Vision and Imagination: Having a clear vision and the ability to imagine what you want to achieve is crucial for success in entrepreneurship. This vision helps guide decisions and actions toward achieving goals.

2. Importance of Relationships: Building rapport and maintaining good relationships with others is essential in business. Creating goodwill allows for more effective collaboration and can lead to better outcomes.

3. Personal Growth and Self-Trust: Trusting oneself is foundational for being able to lead and inspire others. Personal development, including overcoming challenges and learning to love oneself, is key to becoming a more effective leader.

4. Balancing Drive and Connection: While being driven and focused on results is important, it is equally vital to connect with people on an emotional level. This balance can lead to greater collaboration and success in business endeavors.

5. Learning from Experience: The journey of entrepreneurship often involves learning from mistakes and adapting one's approach over time. Embracing the lessons from past experiences can lead to personal and professional growth.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "I always used to say, you know, business is easy. It's people that are difficult." - Simon Woodroffe

2. "If you can imagine what something is, or what you want to get to, you've got a chance of getting there." - Simon Woodroffe

3. "I think the bank of goodwill is a very good way to put it." - Simon Woodroffe

4. "You can't really trust other people until you can trust yourself." - Simon Woodroffe

5. "Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all." - Simon Woodroffe

SOCIAL LINKS

www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org

www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk

www.workplacehuddle.com

HOST BIO

Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM).

Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Learn More About Us: https://www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org/

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria welcomes lawyer and mediator Alex Dunlop, an expert in international dispute resolution. The conversation delves into the complexities of workplace conflicts, particularly at senior management levels, exploring common pitfalls such as pride, ego, and miscommunication. Alex shares insights from his extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of transparency and the often-overlooked psychological aspects of conflict, including the impact of media scrutiny and social dynamics reminiscent of schoolyard behavior. The discussion also touches on the challenges of power imbalances in mediation and the need for empathy and understanding in resolving disputes. With a blend of humor and wisdom, Alex and Maria highlight the inevitability of conflict and the potential for positive outcomes through effective communication and mediation strategies.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Common Causes of Conflict: Pride, ego, and miscommunication are often the primary drivers of conflict in workplace settings. Senior individuals may become entrenched in their positions due to fear of losing face, making resolution more challenging.

2. Impact of Perception vs. Reality: There is often a significant gap between how individuals perceive the consequences of conflict (e.g., fearing job loss) and the actual reality, which may not be as dire. This misperception can exacerbate anxiety and defensiveness.

3. Role of Transparency: A lack of transparency in communication can lead to catastrophization, where individuals fill information gaps with worst-case scenarios. Providing clear, honest communication can alleviate fears and reduce conflict.

4. Power Imbalance in Mediation: When mediating conflicts involving power imbalances, it is crucial to separate organizational hierarchy from individual disputes. Focusing on the personal dynamics between the parties can help address the underlying issues more effectively.

5. Conflict as a Natural Part of Life: Conflict is an inevitable aspect of human interaction, and rather than viewing it solely as negative, it can be seen as an opportunity for growth and understanding. Acknowledgment and empathy are often more desired outcomes than punitive measures.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "I think the answers usually are pretty simple, aren't they? Certainly pride and ego, for sure. That's probably my top two." - Alex Dunlop

2. "Whenever there's a gap in information, the human... we fill that gap with the worst case scenario." - Alex Dunlop

3. "I think a lot of fear of scapegoating in those type of organizations, particularly at very, very senior levels." - Alex Dunlop

4. "I think conflict's absolutely inevitable. The world would be a very, very dull place without it." - Alex Dunlop

5. "Nobody wakes up in the morning and thinks, right, I'm going to go and make somebody's life really miserable." - Alex Dunlop

SOCIAL LINKS

www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org

www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk

www.workplacehuddle.com

HOST BIO

Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM).

Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Learn More About Us: https://www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org/

Maria welcomes the esteemed Murray Steele, a seasoned expert with over 30 years of experience as a non-executive director and chair of various boards. Murray shares his insights on the complexities of board dynamics, particularly the role of conflict in fostering productive discussions. He emphasizes the importance of non-executive directors in challenging executive mindsets and stimulating necessary debates, especially during crises. Throughout the conversation, they explore the delicate balance between generating constructive conflict and maintaining healthy relationships within the boardroom. Murray also discusses the qualities that make an effective non-executive director and the significance of preparation and emotional intelligence in navigating difficult conversations. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone interested in board governance and conflict resolution.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Conflict as a Tool for Clarity: Sometimes, generating conflict can be necessary for non-executive directors to challenge executives and bring attention to critical issues, especially in crisis situations. However, it should be approached with caution and not for personal gain.

2. Role of Non-Executive Directors: Non-executive directors are expected to provide oversight and bring diverse perspectives to the board. They should challenge the fixed mindsets of executives and encourage discussions that lead to better decision-making.

3. Judgment and Preparation: Effective non-executive directors must exercise good judgment when initiating difficult conversations. Preparing the ground beforehand by discussing contentious issues with other board members can help mitigate potential conflicts.

4. Constructive Engagement: Maintaining a constructive approach during debates is crucial. Non-executive directors should aim to foster healthy discussions rather than engage in ego-driven arguments, which can lead to a dysfunctional board.

5. Understanding Human Dynamics: Recognizing the emotional triggers and personalities of fellow board members is essential. Building relationships and understanding individual sensitivities can help navigate uncomfortable discussions more effectively.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "Sometimes to get the attention of the relevant people... the only way is to really stir things up in a kind of conflict sense by being provocative." - Murray Steele

2. "It's part of the role of a non-executive... to see things differently." - Murray Steele

3. "A good board has good debate, with robust challenge from the non-execs." - Murray Steele

4. "The only time you get into uncomfortable is when you're in crisis... where people cannot ignore the facts." - Murray Steele

5. "If you can be constructive, the chances of you having a relationship to develop beyond a conflict situation are much higher." - Murray Steele

SOCIAL LINKS

Website: https://mariaarpa.com/

Workplace Consultancy: https://workplacehuddle.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MariaArpaMBE

HOST BIO

Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM).

Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Learn More About Us: https://www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org/