Courses, Big Think

Navigating Emotionally Charged Conflicts with Dan Shapiro

8 lectures, 48 min in all

Harvard negotiation expert Dan Shapiro shows why we keep having the same fight with those closest to us, and how to finally break the cycle. Emotionally charged conflicts occur in many areas of our lives, including work. To negotiate mutually beneficial outcomes while attending thoughtfully to relationships, Dan Shapiro notes, we can use processes like listening deeply, tapping into authentic motivations, addressing pain, and asking genuine questions. Yet, he shares, it’s also important to acknowledge unconscious forces that can hinder positive outcomes. By examining repeated patterns of behavior and considering identity threats, we become better equipped to navigate differences as we negotiate and reconcile with the people in our lives. Learning Objectives Interrupt “us-versus-them” thinking. Break cycles of discord. Negotiate difficult conversations. Strategically navigate and enhance negotiation plans. Repair relationships through reconciliation and genuine apologies.