Do you avoid conflict—or use it to grow your influence? In this episode, AJ and Johnny share a science-backed framework for conflict resolution that transforms tense moments into opportunities for trust and leadership. Drawing on John Gottman’s research on relationships and Google’s Project Aristotle findings on high-performing teams, they reveal why conflict isn’t a problem to eliminate—it’s a chance to deepen respect and build long-term influence.
You’ll learn a step-by-step system to handle everyday workplace and relationship conflicts without burning bridges: lead with value, accept responsibility, show empathy, and present solutions that create buy-in. With stories from clients like Marcus, a consultant at BCG, AJ and Johnny show how mastering conflict resolution can make you the person others turn to when stakes are high. If you’ve ever felt conflict-averse, this episode gives you practical tools to stay calm, confident, and in control.
What to Listen For
[00:00:00] Why avoiding conflict costs you influence
[00:00:56] How conflict avoidance limits your “career chessboard” moves
[00:01:27] The science of conflict: shifting from “me vs. you” to “us vs. the problem”
[00:02:43] The High-Value Conflict Framework explained
[00:03:28] Step 1: Lead with value to disarm defensiveness
[00:03:54] Step 2: Accept responsibility without weakness
[00:06:23] Step 3: Use empathy and “we” language to build trust
[00:07:26] Step 4: Present options, not ultimatums
[00:09:18] Why well-resolved conflicts create stronger bonds
[00:11:03] Client story: how Marcus became the go-to conflict solver
[00:11:29] Why mastering conflict is the ticket to influence

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Check in with AJ and Johnny!
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajharbinger/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AJ on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dzubak-b5182687/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Johnny on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ajharbinger/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AJ on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aocjohnny">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Johnny on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
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