Conflict and Board Dynamics: Dr Brett Mann in conversation

In this session I talked with Dr Brett Mann about conflict and how it influences board dynamics and he had a lot of wisdom to share on this fascinating topic. This is part of our ongoing commitment from Parry Field Lawyers to hosting important conversations that help you all. Forward on or tag someone in it may interest? 

Dr Brett Mann joined me in a conversation we need to have about conflict and board dynamics.  Brett shared his perspective as an educator and communication skills trainer and draw on his experience with governance to explain connection points as we cover: 

- Looking at conflict - what do we mean by that?
 
- What do Chairs and all those on Boards need to consider when it comes to conflict? 
 
- What role does our personal history around past conflict play in this? 
 
- Is conflict ‘bad’ or can it help unlock new ways of thinking?   
 
- What are some ‘Rules of engagement’ to manage conflict?
 
- How do you suggest we address three common, often unspoken, ‘minor conflicts’ to improve board dynamics?

Earlier seeds conversation with Brett on the impact of stress on our bodies: Dr Brett Mann on the impact of stress on our bodies, psychotherapy and 'somatisation' - Seeds

Recent book on Careers with Impact: https://theseeds.nz/articles/the-circle-careers-with-impact/ 

Biography of Dr Brett Mann

Brett is a medical educator and recently finished forty years as a general practitioner. He had a central role in the design of the New Zealand general practitioner communication skills training programme. This included introducing training on ‘dealing with conflict.’ which, for the last eighteen years, has been an important part of the programme. He has given many seminars to doctors and provided many hours of one to one and group training in this area.

Hat tip to Grant Adams for the suggestion.