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Better At Work with Cathal Quinlan
Smart Conflict: How to Have Hard Conversations at Work | Louise van Haast & Alice Driscoll
Louise van Haast and Alice Driscoll, co-authors of Smart Conflict: How to Have Hard Conversations at Work, join Cathal in-studio for a masterclass in navigating workplace conflict.
This is our first in-studio episode with 4-camera setup - and it looks stunning.
If you've ever avoided a difficult conversation, taken feedback too personally, or struggled to speak up at work, this episode is for you.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- Where their passion for conflict work began
- How they met and decided to write a book together
- The two main conflict styles: harmony-seeking vs goal-focused
- "Get curious, not furious" - the principle that changes everything
- Alice's story: "Feedback isn't that I don't like you"
- Ripcord phrases to exit conversations gracefully
- Louise's lesson: "Just because you're good at it doesn't mean you enjoy it"
- The Conflict Style Quiz (both individual and team)
- Practical scripts for hard conversations
KEY INSIGHTS:
"Get curious, not furious. Whether you're someone who avoids conflict or someone who charges straight in, this principle applies. When you notice you're getting furious, pause and get curious instead." - Louise and Alice
"Every time I heard feedback, I was collapsing it into 'you're not good enough.' Then someone finally said: 'You know this feedback isn't that I don't like you, right?' It was a light bulb moment." - Alice Driscoll
"Just because you're really good at something doesn't mean you enjoy it. And just because other people think you should keep pursuing it doesn't mean you should have to." - Louise van Haast
"I wasn't expecting to have this conversation. I need some time to reflect so I can give you a considered response." - Ripcord phrase for exiting conversations
ABOUT LOUISE VAN HAAST AND ALICE DRISCOLL:
Louise van Haast and Alice Driscoll are executive coaches, conflict specialists, and co-authors of Smart Conflict. They help leaders and teams navigate difficult conversations with confidence and skill.
Louise started her career in advertising where she witnessed high conflict and big egos. She became passionate about finding better ways to navigate workplace tension.
Alice grew up as the hyper-aware child analysing family dynamics. She went on to work in human rights NGOs where conflict was constant. Through painful self-awareness moments, she learned how to navigate difficult conversations effectively.
Together, they've created practical frameworks for handling workplace conflict without avoiding it or escalating it.
RESOURCES:
Book: Smart Conflict - How to Have Hard Conversations at Work
Website: thepowerhousecompany.com
Conflict Style Quiz: thepowerhousecompany.com/quiz
Individual and team versions available
Coaching Programs: thepowerhousecompany.com
ABOUT BETTER AT WORK:
Making your work life better, one conversation at a time. We tackle the real challenges of modern work with practical advice you can use immediately.
New episodes every Thursday.
Guest interviews and listener Q&A episodes.
Website: betteratwork.net
Instagram: @betteratwork
Submit Your Question: betteratwork.net
NEXT EPISODE:
Listener Q&A with Annette - Takeaways from this Smart Conflict conversation
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