Episode 22 - Collaboration is easy… until you have to do it with someone you don’t trust

In this episode of The Critical Path, we explore one of the hardest leadership challenges in complex environments: collaborating with people you do not trust, do not like, or do not agree with. True collaboration is not tested when relationships are easy. It is tested when incentives conflict, pressure is high, and trust is limited. The episode unpacks how strong leaders move beyond personalities and focus on interests, structure, evidence, and decision-making processes. Using a real-world style programme example, it shows how to turn friction into progress, manage disagreement without paralysis, and lead effectively across difficult boundaries. Collaboration is not softness. It is disciplined leadership under tension.Key references:Roger Fisher, William Ury, and Bruce Patton — Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen — Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most. Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler — Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking Patrick Lencioni — The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. Adam M. Brandenburger and Barry J. Nalebuff — Co-opetition. Yves L. Doz and Gary Hamel — “Collaborate with Your Competitors—and Win”.Amy Edmondson and Diana McLain Smith — “Want Collaboration? Accept—and Actively Manage—Conflict”.