Navigating Firestorms: The Imperative of Conflict-Intelligent Leadership in a Turbulent World

Abstract

This article offers a novel framework for conceptualizing conflict-intelligent leadership, which builds on evidence-based practices for constructive conflict resolution but extends and enhances them with new insights and strategies gleaned from complexity science. It argues that the development of conflict intelligence (CIQ) requires a broadening of one’s orientation to conflict across four levels: from a focus on and awareness of the self (implicit beliefs, emotional reactions, and ability to self-regulate), to a focus on social dynamics (interpersonal, intergroup, and moral conflict dynamics), as well as situational dynamics (conflicts in fundamentally different contexts), and ultimately to a focus on the broader systemic forces that may determine and be determined by more entrenched conflicts. The article defines CIQ, outlines the competencies and skills conducive to increasing it at each level, and offers a set of “toolkits,” with links to relevant resources such as online assessments, “just-in-time” apps, and popular articles. The aim of this article is to offer leaders a road map; a common vision, language, and skill set for navigating our often dizzying, contentious new world.