Welcome back to "Shedding the Corporate Bitch!" In this episode, I am talking with the powerhouse mediator Hesha Abrams, diving into the art of conflict resolution and the secrets to diffusing tension. Hesha, a seasoned dealmaker, shares her wealth of experience and practical tips to help us navigate the chaotic business world with grace and effectiveness.

Meet Hesha Abrams Hesha kicks off the conversation by sharing a bit about her background. Not only is she a mother and grandmother, but she’s also a passionate Star Trek fan, which fuels her optimistic outlook on life. Hesha’s mediation experience spans over three decades, dealing with everything from massive corporate disputes to everyday conflicts.

Key Strategies for Conflict Resolution Hesha emphasizes the importance of being practical and realistic when resolving conflicts. Forget the “win-win” idealism; it's about managing real-world situations with real people. She explains that conflict is like spaghetti sauce on a counter—if you clean it up right away, it's easy, but if you leave it, it becomes a tough, moldy mess.

Communication is Key One of the main takeaways from Hesha’s insights is the power of effective communication. She stresses the importance of listening deeply and diagnosing the needs of the person you're dealing with. This involves understanding whether they are an introvert or extrovert, a thinker or feeler, and tailoring your approach accordingly.

Practical Techniques Hesha provides some golden nuggets of advice:

• Sentence Stems: Use phrases like “What I admire about you…” to disarm and redirect conversations.
• Do-Overs: Don’t be afraid to ask for a second chance if a conversation didn’t go as planned.
• Validation: Catch people doing things right and acknowledge it. This simple act can transform relationships and build trust.

Creating a Positive Environment Hesha also discusses the importance of catching people doing things right rather than focusing solely on the negatives. This shift in perspective can help create a more supportive and productive work environment.

Trust and Power Dynamics Hesha tackles the complex issue of trust in the workplace. She argues that trust must be earned and that it’s okay to be cautious. By practicing good communication and validation, leaders can build trust over time.

Final Thoughts The episode wraps up with Hesha reiterating her mantra: "Best is the enemy of better." Instead of striving for perfection, focus on making small, winnable victories. This approach not only eases the pressure but also fosters continuous improvement.

Tune in to this enlightening episode and learn how to become a more effective leader by mastering the art of conflict resolution.

Don't forget to grab Hesha’s book, "Holding the Calm," for more tips and insights.

LinkedIn: Hesha Abrams Website: Holding the Calm

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