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Handling Pushback: How to Stay Credible in the Moment

People
Communication & Influence
Individual Contributor, Manager, Senior Manager
Businesswoman arguing with colleague in office meeting

Available to Mastery members

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The higher you go, the more your career depends on how you handle disagreement.

You can deliver solid work and still have your reputation decided in a few seconds when someone challenges you in front of others. The senior people in the room may not remember your results, but they will remember how you handled the pressure.

Most people default to caving just to end the discomfort, or defending too hard too fast. Either approach leaves the exact impression they were trying to avoid.

This live coaching session gives you three ways to respond to pushback, so you can hold your ground instead of losing composure or credibility.

What you’ll discover:

  • Why pushback from someone senior might not be a real disagreement, and what they’re actually looking for
  • How to read a challenge before deciding whether to explore it, close it out, or hold firm
  • A fast way to compose yourself before you respond
  • Why caving to end the discomfort can cost you more than the disagreement itself
  • Three phrases to buy you time when you don’t have an answer
  • How to disagree with conviction without sounding defensive

By the end of this session, you’ll know how to handle pushback gracefully and protect your credibility the next time you’re challenged.

Upgrade to unlock the full benefits of Career Mastery

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Everything in Growth, plus:

  • Monthly Live Group Coaching
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