In a recent article titled “The Conflict Intelligent Leader,” published in Harvard Business Review, Peter T. Coleman, a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, examines the significance of cultivating “conflict intelligence tools.” In an increasingly interconnected world the ability to navigate conflict has never been more critical. Organizations and leaders must be equipped to manage disagreements effectively while fostering an environment of collaboration and understanding.
Importantly, Coleman clarifies the distinction between emotional intelligence and conflict intelligence. While emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify, comprehend, and regulate both your own emotions and those of others, conflict intelligence encompasses a broader set of competencies aimed explicitly at managing and resolving disagreements. Both skill sets are essential for effectively addressing conflict in any setting.
The article highlights four core competencies for navigating conflict, alongside seven key principles that can empower leaders to transform tensions into opportunities for growth.
The four core competencies are:
1. Self-awareness and regulation
2. Social conflict skills
3. Situational adaptivity
4. Systemic wisdom
My favorite key take-aways from the seven principles include:
“Like diplomats who know that the first 48
hours of a crisis can determine the nature of
relationships for years, they understand that
their initial responses will shape all that
follows.”
