Bio

Dr. Mark Szabo joins our host Marc Binkley to discuss his book and research on executive decision making in complex conflicts.

Mark is VP Research & engagement at Anstice, a bespoke marketing agency based in Calgary, Alberta. Mark got his PhD in executive decision making while researching solutions for stakeholder management in oil and gas pipeline projects. Following his research, Mark published his solutions in a book titled Fight different – the power of focal thinking in systemic conflicts his fin complex conflicts. Mark is also a lawyer and has earned an MBA.

Timestamps

1:44 - Introducing Dr. Mark Szabo
2:45 - How Mark got a Phd in executive decision making for complex conflicts
5:14 - What is the difference between complex and complicated conflicts
8:50 - Why simplifying complexity is the naturally wrong response
12:02 - Why it matters to know the difference between complex conflicts and negotiations
14:28 - An example of complex conflicts: Costal Gas Link pipeline
17:05 - Why its important to focus thinking on people with power rather than people with influence
20:26 - Why organizations need different soft skills to manage complex conflicts
22:27 - Tools for complex conflicts: don't control the situation
23:39 - Tools for complex conflicts: control your openness to change
26:13 - Tools for complex conflicts: map the human landscape
28:42 - Tools for complex conflicts: identify the moments that matter
31:33 - Tools for complex conflicts: add research
34:00 - Tools for complex conflicts: align people by values
34:44 - Tools for complex conflicts: separating power from influence
37:25 - Tools for complex conflicts: scenario planning and probabilities
40:08 - Tools for complex conflicts: vision and patience
45:22 - What you can do to better manage complex conflicts today
49:24 - Find out more about Mark

Links

Mark on LinkedIn
Mark's book: Fight Different - The Power of Focal Thinking
Anstice