How Leaders Handle High-Conflict People with Bill Eddy

In this timely episode of Purposeful, Ashley Bernardi sits down with Bill Eddy, co-founder of the High Conflict Institute, attorney, therapist, mediator, bestselling author, and one of the world’s leading experts on high-conflict personalities and disputes.For mission-driven leaders, authors, advocates, executives, and organizations, conflict is often unavoidable. But when conflict becomes chronic, destructive, and fueled by blame, unmanaged emotions, and extreme behavior, it can damage teams, families, workplaces, communities, and trust.Bill shares practical insight into what high-conflict behavior looks like, why it seems to be increasing, and how leaders and individuals can respond without escalating the situation. He also explains how to set boundaries, communicate more strategically, and avoid being pulled into cycles of blame, polarization, and emotional reactivity.In this conversation, Ashley and Bill discuss:• What defines a high-conflict personality• The difference between difficult behavior and high-conflict behavior• Why high-conflict behavior may be on the rise• How social media and public behavior shape conflict patterns• How high-conflict people influence families, workplaces, and communities• What leaders can do to prevent conflict from taking over a culture• How to avoid escalating difficult conversations• The four things not to do with a high-conflict person• How to set healthier boundaries in work and personal relationships• Bill’s CARS method: connecting, analyzing, responding, and setting limits• Workplace bullying, adult bullies, and how organizations can respond• How education and communication skills can help build healthier relationshipsThis episode is a powerful reminder that understanding conflict is the first step to transforming it. While we cannot always control another person’s behavior, we can learn how to respond with clarity, boundaries, and purpose.Learn more about Bill Eddy and the High Conflict Institute at highconflictinstitute.comLearn more about Conflict Influencer at conflictinfluencer.comExplore Bill’s books, including Our New World of Adult Bullies and 5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life, wherever books are sold.