After taking a week off to tend to personal matters, Lauren returns to the series on leading under pressure with a focus on navigating conflict without escalation. She reframes conflict as a nervous system event rather than simply a communication issue, explaining how stress activates threat responses around control, safety, and belonging. When leaders become dysregulated, they lose access to clarity and often default to avoidance, control, or appeasement.
She also explores what it looks like to stay grounded in tense moments through steady tone, clear boundaries, defined next steps, and meaningful repair when needed. Conflict is inevitable, but escalation is not when leaders choose regulation over urgency.
Sign up for the University of Pennsylvania Behavior Breakthrough Accredited Course
Learn about the Staff Sustainability System a proven system to reduce burnout at the root
Resources:
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel A. van der Kolk, M.D.
Other related resources from Five Ives:
Blog Post:
Podcast:
Our Online Programs:
Subscribe to our mailing list and find out more about Stress, Trauma, Behavior and the Brain!
If you’re looking for support as you grow your organization’s capacity for caring for staff and the community, we would love to be part of that journey.
Schedule a free discovery call and let us be your guide
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
