Ever had a conversation go nuclear in 60 seconds flat? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Business Mechanic Show, Vaughn Sigmon breaks down how great leaders turn explosive moments into opportunities for trust and clarity.
Learn how to stop pouring gas on the fire and start becoming the calm thermostat your team needs when emotions run high. This is your playbook for defusing tension and keeping control.
🎯 Vaughn shares tactical phrases, body language tips, and science-backed techniques to help you cool the temperature before it ever hits boiling. Don’t just survive conflict—lead through it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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What not to say when someone’s emotional
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How to use silence as a leadership tool
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The “70/30 Rule” for listening vs. talking
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A script for when you’re being personally attacked
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The psychology of calm authority
Timestamps:
00:00 – Opening: The moment a conversation explodes
02:08 – Why managers unknowingly make it worse
03:55 – Fight fire with calm: What the brain does in conflict
06:27 – The power of emotional contagion
08:12 – Pattern interrupt and naming the emotion
10:02 – What not to say (and what to say instead)
12:31 – Jefferson Fisher’s 3-part response to verbal attacks
14:55 – The power of pausing and silence
16:45 – The 70/30 listening rule
18:33 – Witness, don’t fix: Let them drain
20:10 – Final reminder: They’re not mad at you
Links:
📘 Download the Free eBook: The Roadmap to Difficult Conversations
🌐 Explore Our Leadership Programs: rdltraining.com
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