You’re looking to build a brand strategy career. How can you use conflict to your advantage?

Conflict arises because there occurs opposing thoughts and this in a way explains an environment of critical thinking and creative exploration of ideas to improve the brand strategy and brand product. Embracing conflict is key, to exploring why there are differing opinions and extract the best from every argument, analyse the implications and ultimately put it to execution, get feedback, learn and adapt.

As humans, it can be tempting to react to conflict as a negative force or a personal critique. As strategic thinkers, it is empowering to reframe the definition of conflict as being a wealth of perspectives from which we build the most bulletproof, effective and differentiable foundation for a brand. This collaborative mindset translates opposing arguments into assessment opportunities for everyone in the room. Allow others to add new layers of support or feedback, reveal challenges or request clarity so that conflicting ideas are each given a chance to be valued on their own merit as serving the brand's goals. With any team or client, acknowledge collectively that respect will anchor every interaction, and no one takes conflict home.

We may feel about it since before starting no matter all or few of them. So here is where we can see clearly how the conflict look like. One thing we need to focus is the goal. Look at the goal in often and work for it.

If you've never experienced the bottom you won't know how to help other people get to the top. Too often we want the glory without the grind.

Conflict can be merely a perspective. If you feel you’re experiencing conflict in your team, change your perspective: 1. Explore How can you go beyond the boundaries of the current ideas to find even more surprising ideas? 2. Align Dive into the personal motivations of each person and then the related business motivations so you can really understand where each other is coming from. 3. Test There’s no point arguing over which is the right direction, it’s likely both are valid. The answer though is in what your target audience responds to best.

Conflict provides a platform for developing assertiveness and confidence in your role as a brand strategist. When faced with opposing viewpoints or challenges to your ideas, responding assertively and confidently can demonstrate your conviction and competence. When presenting your strategy, maintain a clear and composed demeanor while also remaining open to constructive feedback. By striking this balance, you convey confidence in your abilities while also acknowledging the value of collaboration and input from others.

During my hostage negotiation training, I was taught that the most important part of the job is not letting your own emotion and your own biases control you. This is true for conflict in any kind of scenario – even in Brand Strategy: Conflict can either burn you alive, or light a fire inside of you – but the latter only happens if you master yourself to the point you can be extremely confident while still being open to being wrong and learning. Embrace conflict when it happens, and use it to test where you are at in your mental journey within yourself. That's the only way you turn it to your advantage.

Career conflicts arise most often when communication falters. Perhaps this takes the form of a frustrating conversation with a client who is constantly asking to stretch deliverables beyond your scope and timeline. Or, a disappointing check-in with a star intern who has decided to pursue full-time work with a competing agency. In these situations, a good mentor can help you see beneath or beyond an isolated incident and recognize the patterns in your thoughts and behavior that may be limiting your growth. A mentor in your industry will have immense experience equity to draw from, not only with situations that parallel; but also with the needs and mindset of the various people in your orbit and how to effectively set expectations with them.

If a conflict situation doesn't lead to a productive brainstorming session with proper results, then evaluate whether your line of reasoning or your depth of thought that went into the situation was appropriate or not! Rely on research, qualitative or quantitative, to form nuanced arguments and expand your horizons of thought.