20/07/2026
Conflict is often seen as something to avoid.
In reality, it is one of the most important leadership skills to learn.
Every project, workplace and partnership will experience moments where expectations differ, priorities compete or difficult conversations need to happen. The goal is not to eliminate conflict. The goal is to manage it in a way that strengthens trust rather than damages it.
That was the focus of this month's UDIA Victoria Mentoring Program session on conflict management, generously hosted by Stockland.
Jonathan Greenwood shared practical insights drawn from real workplace experience, exploring why conflict occurs, how different people respond under pressure and the role self-awareness plays in creating better outcomes. The discussion reinforced that constructive conflict is rarely about having the perfect answer. It is about listening well, staying curious and creating space for productive conversations.
One idea that resonated strongly was the Conversation Reset framework using the Situation, Behaviour, Impact, Ask model. Rather than responding to assumptions or emotion, the approach encourages conversations grounded in observable facts, shared understanding and a clear path forward. It shifts the focus from judging people to addressing behaviours, creating conversations that are more respectful, productive and solution-focused.
Another valuable lesson came from the aviation industry, where the emphasis is on debriefing the incident, not the identity. It is a simple principle that reminds us that learning happens most effectively when people feel safe to reflect, contribute and improve without personal blame.
For emerging professionals, technical capability will always be important. Equally important is the ability to navigate disagreement with professionalism, communicate with empathy and build trust through difficult conversations.
These are the skills that strengthen teams, improve project outcomes and shape future leaders.
Thank you to Stockland for hosting the session and to Jonathan Greenwood for sharing such practical and thought-provoking insights. Judi Carr is proud to continue supporting the UDIA Victoria Mentoring Program and the next generation of property professionals.
