Why Feedback, Conflict, and Self-Awareness are Key to a Thriving Career / Tash Willcocks / Ep. #223
I try to avoid conflict... most of the time.
It creates tension that I usually find counter-productive.
But what if this tension is actually the catalyst for growth?
Have I been missing out?
Our guest Tash Willcocks thinks so.
She's a self-proclaimed former conflict avoider who now champions the idea of "running towards the conflict" to unlock its potential for positive change.
Yes, conflict creates a tension that most of us instinctively shy away from.
But according to Tash, this tension can foster collaboration and drive personal growth when channeled in the right ways.
There's just one small problem.
Conflict in the workplace often occurs when people give (or receive) feedback. But most of us aren't really great at this.
So, instead of using feedback as a constructive opportunity, things either spiral out of control, or people conceal the key message out of politeness.
In both cases, it's a missed opportunity.
The art is to find that sweet spot between kindness and clarity, where we can give and receive feedback in a way that feels supportive and helps us grow.
I have to say, Tash's journey from conflict avoidance to embracing tension is quite inspiring.
So, if you want to turn those tough conversations into moments where you learn and grow the most, this episode has you covered.
Tash made me think: What is the best feedback I've received, from whom, and what made it so powerful? What would be your answer...
Enjoy the episode, and keep making a positive impact!
~ Marc
--- [ 1. GUIDE ] ---
00:00 Welcome to episode 223
04:00 Embracing creative conflict
05:45 What sparked her interest in this topic
07:00 Take hard conversations
10:30 Run towards the conflict
13:00 Teaching conflict
16:00 Opening up wounds
19:00 Radical candor
23:30 Avoiding hard talks
21430 Overcoming avoidance
27:00 Feedback and timing
30:00 Giving & receiving feedback
32:30 People solve problems
35:00 Beyond reading design books
38:00 Starving artist mindset
39:15 Takeaways so far
43:30 Drama triangle vs Empowerment triangle
47:00 Creating self-awareness while drawing
49:30 Drawing as journaling
51:00 Ruthlessly curious
53:00 Piece of advice
54:45 Question to ponder
55:00 Resources
--- [ 2. LINKS ] ---
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashwillcocks/
- https://www.instagram.com/tashwillcocks
- https://bsky.app/profile/tashwillcocks.bsky.social
Resources:
- Radical Candor (Book)
- Radical Candor (Podcast)
- Turn the Ship around - Book
- Ladder of leadership
- MindSpring Presents: "Greatness" by David Marquet
- Johari Window
- Giving and receiving feedback - cards
- Susan Wheelan Team Development
- Drama and Empowerment Triangle
- Scott Berkun - Why Design is hard
--- [ 3. CIRCLE ] ---
Join our private community for in-house service design professionals.