You don’t need to master every conflict. But you do need to show up.
Posted on June 06, 2025 by Pamina Sulzberger, One of Thousands of Business Coaches on Noomii.
Better conflict skills start with presence, not perfection. Learn how to respond calmly, speak clearly, and lead with empathy.
You don’t need to master every conflict. But you do need to show up.
“I wish I knew how to say this without making it worse.”
“I don’t like conflict, so I tend to avoid it.”
“I always end up saying too much… or nothing at all.”
The truth is: leading others doesn’t mean having all the answers. But it does mean being willing to stay in the conversation, especially when it gets uncomfortable.
Here are three small shifts that make a big difference:
- Pause before reacting -
That moment when your heart races and your face flushes, that’s your nervous system kicking in. Take a breath. Say, “Let me think about that for a moment.” Slowing down helps you respond instead of react.
- Get curious instead of defensive -
When someone challenges you, try understanding what could be behind the words: “What do you mean by that?” Instead of shutting down or pushing back, open the door. Curiosity doesn’t mean you agree, it just keeps the conversation going.
- Say what’s true and kind -
“Clear is kind,” says Brené Brown. Being honest about your needs, your limits, or your concerns doesn’t have to be harsh. You can say: “This isn’t working for me, and I’d like to find a better way.” That’s leadership.
The hardest conversations often hold the most potential for clarity, trust, and connection.
You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to be present and curious.
