Last week I, Roar Wægger, had the chance to work with some incredible people – through negotiation training, advisory sessions, and as a judge in several international negotiation and mediation competitions. Across these different settings, countries, and cultures, a few commonalities kept showing up.
Not the strategies nor tactics. Not the legal details. But people.
How we react under pressure. How personality, anxiety and communication styles shape conflict. And how just a bit more awareness can make a huge difference in how we handle disagreement.
Here are a few reflections based on those conversations:
Most of us try to avoid workplace conflict – but let’s face it: in any workplace where people work closely together, friction will happen. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The real issue is rarely the topic of disagreement. It’s the style.
How something is said. How it’s interpreted. How stress and personality kick in.
Some people want quick clarity. Others need space before engaging. Some are wired for harmony, others for resolution. The more we understand these differences – in ourselves and others – the better we get at turning conflict into something productive.
What helps:
- Knowing your own stress triggers
- Recognizing different needs and communication styles
- Building trust
- And speaking up early, before misunderstandings grow legs.
What struck me most at the end of these different sessions, trainings, coaching and competitions, different countries and cultures – was the shift I saw in people. They had become more self-aware, more confident, and felt less pressure in conflict situations.
The outcome? They’re now better equipped to deal with difficult conversations – not by avoiding them, but by using them. To create more value, more clarity, and stronger relationships – both at work and in business negotiations.
Would you like to transform conflicts into opportunities at your workplace? Contact us today at Wægger Negotiation Institute for customized solutions and expert guidance.