It is an understatement to say that we live in a polarized world. Politics are rife with division. Communities are polarized by a variety of factors. Unfortunately, nonprofit work is not exempt from the threat of conflict.
For that reason, leaders of all organization sizes and types must learn to manage and navigate polarizing conflicts. And not to state the obvious but…
Nothing about overcoming conflict is easy.
But, there are three key myths about managing conflict that leaders must know.
LEADERSHIP MYTH #1:
Good leaders always have the right thing to say and speak eloquently.
LEADERSHIP MYTH #2:
Leaders should already know what to do.
LEADERSHIP MYTH #3:
Resolving conflict is about finding out who is right and who is wrong. And declaring a winner.
None of the above statements are true. Nor are they useful for leaders.
Parisa Parsa joins the podcast in this episode to talk about what leaders need to know when facing polarizing conflict. She is a facilitation expert and a premier thought leader whose passion is reigniting dialogue when opposites strongly disagree. Her work often sends her into the heat of conflict around the world to help parties resolve divisive situations and re-open productive conversations.
She shares why the above myths are false and how those beliefs can cripple constructive conversation. Together with Glennda Testone, Nonprofit Leadership Lab CEO, they discuss the key leadership skills that can help leaders engage in productive conversation, effectively collaborate across differences, and navigate their organizations through conflict.
There is good reason that I keep inviting Parisa back to this podcast. (This is her 3rd appearance.) Her insights are powerful, brain-breaking, and deceptively simple although difficult.
If you want to foster open communication with others even when you viscerally disagree, this episode is for you.
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
- Emphasize Productive Conversations. Conflict is unavoidable but can be productive if approached with curiosity and openness. Parisa emphasizes the importance of seeing conflict as a sign that people care deeply. She encourages nonprofit leaders to reframe conflicts as opportunities for learning, growth, and relationship-building, rather than something to be feared or avoided.
- Self-Care and Emotional Well-being for Leaders. Parisa stresses the importance of attending to personal well-being, particularly when leaders are facing emotionally charged situations. Leaders need to check in with themselves regularly, not just by taking physical breaks, but also by addressing their own fears, anxieties, and vulnerabilities. This self-awareness is critical for leaders to be effective in their roles.
- The Importance of Core Organizational Functions. Even in times of crisis, maintaining core functions such as staff meetings and internal communication is vital. Glennda and Parisa both highlight that neglecting these basic functions can lead to increased organizational stress. Instead, leaders should balance urgent tasks with attending to the core functions that provide stability and structure within the organization.
- Power Dynamics and Boundaries in Leadership. Leaders must communicate transparently, ensure everyone feels heard, and maintain a balance between addressing individual needs and upholding organizational priorities.
- Building Trust and Embracing Difference. Parisa emphasizes that building trust within teams and communities requires ongoing effort, especially in divided environments. She encourages leaders to engage with people who are most affected by decisions and to foster inclusive, collaborative spaces where everyone’s voice is valued. Trust is built by showing genuine interest in others’ perspectives and maintaining open lines of communication.
KEY QUOTES:
- “Conflict is actually a sign that people care deeply, and that’s really an important thing you want in an organization.” (Parisa Parsa)
- “You have to attend to your own trauma, your own fears, your own anxieties, so you can authentically and effectively lead others.” (Parisa Parsa)
- “Keeping core functions in working order builds a trustworthy organization, reducing stress and anxiety even during tough times.” (Parisa Parsa)
- “Dance with Conflict.” (Parisa Parsa)
- “You work long hours, you put yourself, your needs aside. It’s not about you. I mean, this is something we even say in the Nonprofit Leadership Lab… But this is a moment where you’re saying something really important that I think we don’t hear enough, which is you can’t ignore what’s going on for you and what gets kicked up for you when you start dealing with these really complex issues either in the foreground or as the backdrop.” (Glennda Testone)
ABOUT PARISA PARSA:
Parisa Parsa delights in working with organizations and communities to deepen their understanding of their differences so they can achieve their shared purposes. As a nonprofit leader, facilitator of dialogue across divides, and intercultural communication expert, she has worked with communities across the U.S. and has offered training and support to journalists, clergy, educators, and public officials.
Parisa is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, works in interfaith and multi-faith settings, and believes spiritual growth and depth are invaluable for effective leadership. Her passion for engaging difference was largely born with her as an Iranian American raised in both countries and straddling Muslim and Christian faiths.
RESOURCES:
- Essential Partners
- 8 Signs Of Polarization In Your Context
- The 6Ps of Healthier Dialogue
- Parisa Parsa LinkedIn
- Parisa Parsa Twitter
- Ep 84: Passion, Conflict, Diversity, and Leadership (with Parisa Parsa)
- Ep 28: Difficult Conversations in Uncertain Times (with Parisa Parsa)
- Nonprofit Leadership Lab
- Joan Garry’s Guide to Nonprofit Leadership – 2nd Edition by Joan Garry
- FREE WORKSHOP: Let’s Build the Nonprofit Board of Your Dreams!
- FREE WORKSHOP: The 5 Practices of Outstanding Nonprofit Leaders
- Music by Jukebox the Ghost
- Voiceover Work by Cindy Cap Solutions
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