Have You Built Up Your Conflict Intelligence?

Workplace conflict, driven by both internal disagreements and external socio-political factors, is damaging company culture, productivity, and workers' well-being. Peter Coleman, professor at Columbia University’s Teachers College, suggests leaders need "conflict intelligence" which builds on emotional intelligence, emphasizing adaptability and integrity. A healthy conflict culture balances civility with candor, creating psychological safety for critical thinking. Leaders should model good behavior, set clear expectations, and establish norms for derailing conversations. Coleman references examples like George Mitchell, Nelson Mandela, and Tim Cook, who successfully navigated complex conflicts by understanding different perspectives and maintaining their principles. Companies can foster conflict intelligence through training, skill development, and by identifying internal "peacemakers" to build a supportive infrastructure.