The Conflict Translator™ Cheat Sheet: Quick Tools for Responding Instead of Reacting.

Ever replayed a conflict in your head and thought, "Ugh, I wish I said that instead"? Same. Your brain, under stress, does all types of wacky things that don’t exactly help you resolve conflict. It forgets, it’s impulsive, it wants to quit or walk away, it lacks the ability to think clearly and strategically, and combine that with your ego’s desire to be right and BAM! We stay angry and mad for a long time.

That’s why I built The Conflict Translator™—a framework that helps you respond in the moment, not after the fact.

Here’s your cheat sheet:

1. Spot the trigger.
Ask: Which unmet need just got bumped? Respect? Power? Care? Safety?

2. Pause + Breathe.
You’re not in danger—even if your nervous system thinks you are.

3. Translate the behavior.
Instead of reacting to what they said, ask: What are they really trying to protect or communicate?

4. Use clarity statements.
Try: "Here’s what I’m hearing—can we align?" or "What do you need most right now?"

The goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s to be intentional. These tools help you pause, process, and show up like the leader you want to be—even in the messy moments.