Steady She Goes

When conflict occurs, the goal isn’t quick resolution, it’s deeper understanding. Say it again for those of us in the back.

I’m a Steady Eddy. I like harmony and peaceful interaction. I like when we’re all pulling in the same direction. When conflict rears its head, I want to rush to resolve it. I want to find the right joke that breaks the tension and returns equilibrium. But that instinct is more about me, than the situation.

I work with many people who are quite comfortable when tension is high (I admire you and I don't understand you). When we’re uncomfortable with conflict, we respond to the problems that are easiest and fastest to resolve (that feels good!). But we don't respond to the ones that are addressing the right problem (that feels hard!).

I was listening to Gabriel Salguero at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit as he explained the importance of connecting with others – especially during conflict. Seeking to understand each other is in high demand and low supply. Look around you, you know it’s true.

As Salguero put it, it is easier to build walls than bridges. When we choose bridge-building, he offers the following advice:

Be aware of your insecurities. The conflict at hand likely rankles some of your own anxieties.

Lead from your roots. You can only help people cross the divide if you have your own anchors.

Pause before pushing back. Lean into your curiosity. What is behind your rejection? What is the story you’re telling yourself?

Look to your common destination. We often have more in common than in conflict. Build the future together.

In the end, we would do well to remember that diversity is not division, and unity is not uniformity.

Inspiration

Gabriel Salguero. “Living in the Hyphen.” Global Leadership Summit 2025