Conflict Resolution as a Superpower, Building Compassionate Communication, and Creating Workplace Harmony

5 Key Takeaways on Conflict Resolution as a Superpower 

1. Conflict Resolution Starts with Self-Awareness: Meltem shared that she was once a conflict avoider, but learning communication and mediation skills changed her life. Recognizing your triggers and asking, “Why am I feeling this way?” creates space to understand both your own needs and the other person’s perspective. True resolution starts with looking inward.
2. Emotions Shape How We Perceive Conflict: Conflict often brings up unease, awkwardness, guilt, or shame. But as Meltem put it, “Everyone has a different perspective… there could be more than one truth.” Instead of taking things personally, pausing to ask compassionate, open-ended questions can disarm tension and shift conversations from opposition to collaboration.
3. Communication Needs to Be Impeccable—Especially Online: In the workplace, miscommunications often stem from tone-deaf emails or Slack messages. Meltem highlighted that we are the ones who put meaning behind the words. Taking time to reread before replying—or picking up the phone—can prevent misunderstandings. Building relationships outside of email helps ensure context isn’t lost in translation.
4. Conflict is Necessary—It’s How You Handle It: Avoiding conflict doesn’t make it disappear; it often returns bigger and heavier. Meltem emphasized that conflict itself is not the problem: Conflicts are the necessary component in any relationship and in any work environment. They invite new ideas, perspectives, and growth. The key is equipping teams with the tools to approach disagreements constructively rather than letting them fester.
5. Know Your Conflict Style (and When to Use It): We all default to certain conflict styles—avoidance, accommodation, compromise, competing, or collaboration. Each has a place, but over-relying on one can create problems. These strategies give us tools in our toolbox. The idea is that self-awareness lets us choose which one is the best strategy for this conflict right now. Flexibility is what transforms conflict into an opportunity.

Show Notes

[00:01:00] Why Meltem calls conflict resolution a “superpower.”

[00:02:00] Common emotions that arise during conflict and why they’re often negative.

[00:03:00] Skills that change the game: compassionate curiosity, open-ended questions, and assuming less.

[00:07:00] Why remote communication makes misinterpretation more likely.

[00:09:00] Meltem’s tip: pause before replying to “edgy” emails.

[00:12:00] Why picking up the phone can prevent assumptions.

[00:18:00] How culture and diversity impact workplace communication.

[00:20:00] Meltem’s role as both mediator and trainer in organizational settings.

[00:24:00] The hidden costs of unresolved workplace conflict.

[00:27:00] The five conflict styles—and how to use them wisely.

[00:33:00] Why conflict resolution skills should be taught in schools.