323. Turn Up the Heat: Make Conflict More Constructive

Priya Parker, facilitator and author of *The Art of Fighting*, explains that conflict doesn't have to be avoided or escalated — it can be a productive force if handled with care. She introduces the concept of 'healthy heat,' where disagreement is paired with curiosity and humor to become clarifying rather than destructive. Matt Abrahams and Parker discuss practical ways to build a culture that normalizes disagreement, from practicing low-stakes arguments to holding dedicated 'grapple' meetings. The episode offers frameworks for turning tension into an organizational asset.