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Power and conflict — two sides of the same coin that shape almost every interaction in the workplace. Last week we were delighted to host a Masterclass for the Brisbane Junior Chamber of Commerce (BJCC), where we offered a condensed yet impactful glimpse into our Camp Conflict program. We dove into the nuances of power, explored conflict as a catalyst for growth and innovation, and had some fun with our card game, S’morgasboard! — affirming our desire to educate and engage through meaningful conversation and play.
Power dynamics shape whether conflict leads to division or fosters collaboration. At its core, power is a tool for influencing others toward a shared purpose. We explored how power extends beyond traditional hierarchies—like a manager or director—to include traits such as expertise, charisma, and relatability. Understanding your influence and using it wisely is crucial, especially when conflict arises. Recognising these dynamics helps you navigate disagreements thoughtfully and effectively.
Our deep dive into French and Raven’s eight Bases of Power revealed a crucial insight: power is granted, not taken. Whether it’s Legitimate Power from a role, Expert Power from years of knowledge, or Charismatic Power from being a natural leader, each base requires the buy-in of others. Participants learned that these bases can be leveraged to inspire, not command, especially in complex environments. We explored frameworks like the Stacey Matrix and Arnstein’s Ladder of Participation, which illustrates when to lead and when to co-create, emphasising that shared power often results in better outcomes in high-stakes situations.
Conflict can easily trigger our stress response, derailing rational thinking. But Good Conflict is about creating space for constructive conversation, creativity and innovation, even when tensions run high. We shared our framework for cultivating Good Conflict and then we shifted into action mode with S’morgasboard!, our game designed to help people practice empathy, listening, and collaborative problem-solving through play. The goal? To equip participants with real-world skills for handling disagreements that build rather than break down relationships.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one participant capturing the essence of the session: “I’ve never been to a more engaging workshop. It was easy to interact with plenty of people.” The hands-on format, combined with thought-provoking discussions, created an environment where learning felt accessible and meaningful. Thanks to the BJCC members for their energy and openness—you made the session a memorable and rewarding experience.
You can explore more in-depth resources, such as the Bases of Power, the Stacey Matrix, and other valuable open-source tools, at MoSS’ in-house R&D studio, Mettlesome’s tools site . For more details on our immersive leadership workshop, Camp Conflict, check out our offerings here.
