Navigating Conflict in Change: Expert Tips & Insights with Carol Bowser

In this episode of the Change Management Review Podcast, host Theresa Moulton speaks with Carol Bowser, a workplace conflict expert and founder of Conflict Management Strategies. With over two decades of experience, Carol shares invaluable insights on how conflict resolution plays a critical role in successful change management initiatives. She explains why understanding conflict, especially during times of change, is essential for fostering collaboration, managing expectations, and achieving long-term success.

You’ll discover:

•  The Role of Conflict in Change – Why conflict often arises during change and how to address it proactively.
• Managing Stakeholder Expectations – How to deal with decision-makers and implementers who may not see eye-to-eye.
• The Power of Active Listening – Why listening to understand (not just to respond) is critical in resolving conflicts.
• Recognizing Unmet Expectations – How identifying and addressing unmet expectations can help prevent major conflicts.
• The Importance of a Conflict-Aware Culture – How to create a work environment where conflict is acknowledged and addressed constructively.

If you’re a change management practitioner or leader, this episode will provide you with the tools to better navigate the complexities of workplace conflict during organizational change.

Guest Bio

Carol Bowser, J.D is a workplace conflict expert. After practicing Employment Law for several years, Carol founded Conflict Management Strategies when she realized a lawsuit can’t deliver the level of resolution and satisfaction that is gained when people are actively involved in creating solutions to their workplace conflict.

Carol’s clients come with a wide range of employers because conflict is universal across all industries and types of organizations. Where there are people, there is conflict.

The key is to help people recognize and address conflict before it damages working relationships and creates organizational drag. In her over 20 years of experience, she has discovered some universal themes about workplace conflict and loves to share how people at all levels can strengthen their conflict resolution muscles.