Calm the Conflict: Lead Tense Conversations Without Escalation

Difficult conversations and conflict resolution using practical de-escalation techniques Unique, research-backed guide to staying calm in tense conversations with emotional intelligence and nonviolent communication Learn how to handle conflict, prevent amygdala hijack, and create psychological safety at work and at home

What You'll Learn:

• Understand what actually happens in your brain and body during difficult conversations, including a simple explanation of the amygdala hijack and why you suddenly feel flooded or reactive.
• Learn specific de-escalation techniques—like labeling emotions, asking open-ended questions, and using neutral language—to calm tense conversations in real time.
• Practice a step-by-step framework for how to stay calm before, during, and after conflict so you can respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.
• Discover how to create psychological safety at work and in personal relationships, making it safer for others to share concerns, admit mistakes, and disagree respectfully.
• Apply principles from nonviolent communication to express your needs clearly without blame, criticism, or defensiveness.
• Identify one real situation in your life right now where these tools apply and map out one small, concrete action you can take this week to test what you learned.
• Use a quick written reflection exercise to capture key insights from the episode so you actually remember and implement them instead of forgetting them by tomorrow.
• Spot and correct common misconceptions about conflict, such as believing calm equals passive, or that de-escalation means avoiding hard truths.