670 – Taming the Old Yeller Approach
Taming the Old Yeller Approach
Conflict isn’t the enemy — poor conversations are
Practical ways to prepare for difficult conversations
In this episode, Terry Wilson sits down with executive coach and conflict specialist Brenda Hooper to explore how one defining workplace moment transformed her leadership philosophy.
Raised in a direct, confrontational environment she calls the “Old Yeller approach,” Brenda shares how an early-career conflict with a superior forced her to confront the limits of forceful communication. That moment sparked a lifelong journey into mediation, executive coaching, and the science of better conversations.
Together they discuss:
• Why conflict isn’t the enemy — poor conversations are
• The hidden cost of aggressive communication styles in leadership
• How emotional intelligence increases authority, not weakens it
• Practical ways to prepare for difficult conversations
• Building trust without sacrificing accountability
• Turning resistance into collaboration
• How communication shapes company culture
• Why better leaders build better communities
This episode is essential listening for business owners, managers, entrepreneurs, and anyone responsible for leading people through tension and change.
Better conversations don’t just resolve conflict — they create stronger teams, healthier workplaces, and sustainable success.
Learn more about Brenda Hooper at: discussionsbydesign.com
