Leaders in Conflict as the eye of the storm
Alain Lempereur
Leaders who are confronted with conflicts often become mediators, i.e. the eye of the storm. Mindful leaders go beyond listening and mobilize all their senses. They leverage the nonverbal information that parties leak and increase awareness, timeliness and sharpness. First, for instance, by conscious perception of body gestures or facial expressions, they can spot the presence of emotions.
Second, they try to detect emotions as early as possible, before they intensify and become toxic. Third, they learn to pinpoint the exact emotion that is revealed, especially if their perception is seconded by gentle inquiry to check hypotheses.
