Smart Conflict

Business Book Awards 2026 Shortlisted in People, Culture and Management category

A highly practical, immediately implementable guide to getting good at conflict at work.

The ability to engage with healthy conflict is a crucial element of high performance, and the foundation of collaborative, inclusive and innovative cultures.

Drawing on the latest evidence and thinking from psychology and coaching research, Smart Conflict will equip you with the skills you need to manage conflict with confidence and compassion.

As experienced conflict and leadership team coaches, Alice Driscoll and Louise van Haarst know that not enough conflict, of the right kind, is just as damaging to teams and organizations as having too much of the wrong kind. Whether your default conflict style is avoidant, inflexible or aggressive, this book will give you the tools to embrace Smart Conflict and transform your leadership, your team and maybe your life.