District 46 recently hosted an engaging and highly practical Conflict Resolution workshop led by Region Advisor Cindy Laatsch, DTM, PRA. Leaders and members gathered virtually for an interactive evening focused on reframing conflict and strengthening leadership communication.
Cindy, who supports Districts 40, 46, 66, 83, and 119, opened the session with a powerful reminder:
“Conflict is described as a serious disagreement and/or argument about something deemed important.”
Rather than treating conflict as something to avoid, she challenged attendees to view it differently. Disagreement, she explained, simply means agreement has not yet been reached.
“If two people are in disagreement, it means they have not yet reached agreement.”
Moving Beyond Win/Lose
One of the central themes of the session was shifting away from a win/lose mindset. Cindy reminded participants that when one person “wins,” someone else automatically becomes the “loser,” which rarely strengthens relationships or teams.
Instead, she encouraged leaders to search for what she called the “second right answer.”
“If I think I have the right answer and you think you have the right answer… how can we come up with the second right answer?”
This approach resonated strongly with district and club leaders who often navigate differing perspectives while still needing to move initiatives forward.
Avoidance Is Not Resolution
Many participants admitted that conflict can feel uncomfortable. Cindy validated that reaction but emphasized an important leadership truth:
“There is no such thing as avoiding a conflict.”
Avoidance, she explained, often delays the issue rather than resolves it. When difficult conversations are postponed, they frequently resurface later with greater intensity.
Leadership Communication: “There Are No Secrets”
A memorable takeaway from the workshop centered on how leaders handle conflict discussions outside the room.
“When you’re in a conflict… there are no secrets.”
Cindy cautioned participants about sharing private disagreements broadly and encouraged leaders to “go up, not down” when seeking counsel within the organizational structure. She also delivered a reminder that drew nods across the Zoom screen:
“Email lives forever.”
Remain the Mirror
Cindy introduced the concept of “remaining the mirror”—focusing on self-control and reflecting back what is being heard, rather than reacting impulsively.
“Our eyes, our face overrides the words that we say.”
By maintaining composure and checking internal narratives, leaders can significantly shift the tone of a conversation. She shared personal examples of how adjusting her mindset transformed tense meetings into productive exchanges.
You Don’t Have to Catch Every “Nasty Gram”
Another powerful lesson focused on response timing and emotional discipline.
“You are not obligated when somebody throws a nasty gram at you to catch it and respond to that.”
Instead of reacting immediately, Cindy encouraged pauses, clarifying questions, and intentional restraint. Leaders were reminded that maturity often looks like calm, not counterattack.
Lens Awareness: Data vs. Feelings
The discussion also explored what Cindy described as “lens awareness”—recognizing whether individuals are approaching a situation through a data lens or a feeling lens.
“The first is the feeling lens and the second is the data lens.”
Understanding these differences, she explained, reduces unnecessary tension. Neither lens is wrong, but awareness allows leaders to communicate more effectively and with greater empathy.
Assessments vs. Assertions
Toward the close of the workshop, Cindy distinguished between assessments and assertions.
“Assessments are opinions… Assertions are measurable, quantifiable.”
This distinction provided a practical framework for separating facts from personal interpretation—an essential skill for leaders navigating emotionally charged situations.
A Night of Reflection and Growth
Participants engaged openly throughout the session, sharing real-world experiences and insights. The discussion reinforced a central truth: conflict is not inherently negative. When handled with self-awareness and intention, it becomes an opportunity for collaboration and growth.
District 46 extends sincere appreciation to Cindy Laatsch for delivering a thoughtful, interactive, and highly relevant workshop. Her leadership continues to strengthen the district’s commitment to integrity, respect, service, and excellence.
The evening concluded with renewed clarity: strong leadership is not defined by the absence of conflict—but by the ability to navigate it with maturity, balance, and purpose.
