As a coach for leadership teams, I view one of my most important roles as supporting leaders in engaging in healthy conflict. As humans, I see this as one of our greater challenges at work, at home and in communities. In May’s article (pg. 16), I introduced this topic by highlighting the importance of talking to people vs. about people. To succeed in this venture, over time we must build our confidence and proficiency in this essential communication and coaching skill.

Let’s begin with what I mean by healthy conflict. Healthy conflict simply means that as a team and peers ...