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Turning Conflict into Creative Tension
Conflict can be creative. There is no creativity without tension. Constraints matter. Yes, there’s risk. But if your team looks to you for facilitating their collective creativity, the sooner you can learn to appreciate conflict, the better. When I say to be “good with conflict ,” I don’t mean being aggressive or initiating conflict. I mean that when it arises, and we know it inevitably does, we can meet it with calm, curiosity, and a gentle detachment from our own stance, an
kawkapc
Nov 45 min read


Holding the Opposites: When Harmony Meets Conflict
Some of us are wired for harmony. Wait, all of us are. From an evolutionary standpoint, our brains are wired for connection and for minimizing social threat. Harmony can be external, when the people and systems around us are in sync, or internal, when our thoughts, values, and actions feel aligned. Both create serenity and flow. But harmony left unchecked can slip into avoidance. Not because we’re weak, but because as humans we associate tension with danger. Our nervous sys
kawkapc
Oct 244 min read


From Debate to Dialogue: How Leaders Can Reduce Defensiveness
A few days ago, driving my son home from basketball practice, I decided to share something I’d been reflecting on from Joseph Nguyen’s...
kawkapc
Sep 215 min read


Tough Conversations: Leading From Your Adult Self
Today, the conversation in front of me felt particularly difficult because of the CliftonStrengths dynamics at play. It was, in essence,...
kawkapc
Aug 153 min read


The Essential Importance Of Trust: How To Build It
Trust defines relationships. It is the invisible thread that holds society together, shaping our interactions, decisions, and...
kawkapc
Jan 176 min read


Setting Boundaries with Confidence: A Path to Healthier Relationships
What if setting boundaries in a clear and compassionate way was not only possible but also empowering? Imagine feeling confident ,...
kawkapc
Jan 157 min read


Collaborative Approach To Conflict Resolution
An atmosphere charged with possibility, this isn’t how most people immediately describe a conflict situation. However, when reflecting on...
kawkapc
Jan 126 min read


Negotiations: Tap Into Your Strengths for Better Outcomes
Negotiation is often misunderstood. Many people associate it with hard bargaining, competition, and even confrontation. But in today’s...
kawkapc
Dec 30, 20245 min read


Being Clear is Being Kind: The Power of Clarity in Leadership and Workplace Culture
"Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind." – Brené Brown What Does This Mean? At first glance, Brené Brown’s statement may seem simple, yet its...
kawkapc
Dec 28, 20245 min read


The Leadership Skill We Don’t Talk About Enough: Navigating Dichotomies, Nuance, and Paradox
Navigating today’s leadership landscape requires new leadership skills , it's not just about solving problems but about mastering the...
kawkapc
Dec 14, 20245 min read


Transforming Conflict: A Path to Courageous Leadership
As a coach, I see the hidden opportunities in conflict every day. Many clients come to me saying, “I have a situation I need help with.”...
kawkapc
Dec 11, 20245 min read
© Copyright Monika Kawka
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