Episode notes
Conflict is unavoidable in leadership. The question is whether you deal with it or let it grow.
In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Irvine Nugent, leadership and conflict management expert, keynote speaker, and co-founder of Conflict EQ. Growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles gave Irvin an early and deeply personal understanding of conflict, trust, and the consequences of unresolved tension.
We discuss why leaders often avoid difficult conversations, how conflict can actually become a productive force, and why staying calm under pressure isn’t necessarily the same as being effective. Irvin also shares practical ways leaders can recognize their triggers, stay connected during tense conversations, and address conflict before it becomes destructive.
We discuss:
• Why leaders avoid difficult conversations
• The difference between constructive and destructive conflict
• Why unresolved conflict gets worse over time
• What happens to leaders emotionally under pressure
• Why staying calm isn’t enough
• How to recognize your personal conflict triggers
• How to prepare for difficult conversations
• Why slowing down can prevent conflict from escalating
• The importance of making people feel heard
• Why leaders need to address conflict early
Conflict is a normal part of leadership. Great leaders don’t pretend it isn’t there. They develop the capacity to work through it constructively and have the conversations that need to be had.
If you’re a leader who has ever delayed a difficult conversation, struggled with conflict on your team, or wondered how to stay effective when tensions rise, this episode is for you.
Listen now and learn how to stop avoiding conflict and start having the conversation.
Connect with Dr. Irvine Nugent:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irvinenugent/
Website: https://www.conflicteq.com/
Survey: https://conflicteq.scoreapp.com/