#36 The three reasons people disagree and how to lead to resolution - Michael Wilkinson

Michael Wilkinson is one of the most renowned facilitators in the U.S., author of many books and the founder of Leadership Strategies, the market leader in facilitator training.

Disagreements happen all the time in teams and projects. But did you know that most conflicts fall into just three categories? In this episode, I talk with Michael Wilkinson—one of the most well-known facilitators in the U.S. and founder of Leadership Strategies—about the three levels of disagreement and how to facilitate resolution effectively.  

What you'll learn in this episode:  

✅ *Level 1: Disagreements about information – Why most conflicts are just misunderstandings and how four simple questions can clear them up.  

✅ Level 2: Disagreements about values and goals – How to identify what really matters to each party and create solutions that respect those values.  

✅ Level 3: Deep-rooted disagreements – When personalities, past history, or external factors block progress—and why escalating may be the best approach. 

Michael shares practical facilitation techniques and a hilarious story about a conflict he just couldn’t solve.  

Want to learn more? Check out The Secrets of Facilitation by Michael Wilkinson

Questions, comments, or suggestions?

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message at jeroen@focusfacilitators.nl or connect on LinkedIn.  

Interested in training?

Check out our courses on facilitation skills, visual facilitation, and LEGO® Serious Play® at focusfacilitators.nl.