27/10/2026
💜 Leading into the Future | Masterclass 5: Conflict Management & Resolution
What if conflict isn’t the problem — but how we handle it is?
WFWP Australia’s 5th Leading into the Future Masterclass brought together an engaged audience to learn from Odri Fernandes, who shared powerful insights into managing conflict with greater awareness, intention, and confidence.
One key message stood out: Avoiding conflict doesn’t resolve it. Learning how to navigate it does.
When we stay silent, emotions can build until a small disagreement becomes a major outburst. When ego takes over, we focus on being right rather than finding a way forward. But when we identify the outcome we want for the relationship, we can shift from opposing each other to working towards a shared solution.
✨ Odri explored five conflict management styles outlined in Kenneth Thomas and Ralph Kilmann’s Conflict Model (Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, 1974):
🔹 Competing – My way is best.
🔹 Compromising – Let’s meet halfway.
🔹 Accommodating – I’ll keep the peace.
🔹 Avoiding – I’ll step back.
🔹 Collaborating – Let’s decide together.
Collaboration can lead to meaningful, shared outcomes, although it often takes more time and effort. The real leadership skill is not simply knowing our default style but recognising what each situation needs and choosing our response intentionally.
💡 Four practical lessons to take forward:
1️⃣ Recognise your default conflict style, especially under pressure.
2️⃣ Notice what the situation needs, rather than simply reacting to how you feel.
3️⃣ Choose your response with purpose, even when it feels unfamiliar.
4️⃣ Practise listening without reacting.
Odri also reminded us that silence can be a form of conflict. Creating a safe space where people feel comfortable asking, “Is it OK if I share my thoughts?” or “Is it OK if I disagree?” helps build trust, encourage honest communication, and enable better decisions.
At WFWP Australia, we believe peacebuilding begins in our everyday relationships. By strengthening our communication, emotional intelligence, and ability to navigate differences, we can build healthier families, stronger workplaces, and more connected communities.
💬 Reflect on this: What is your default conflict style — and what might change if you responded with intention rather than emotion?
Thank you, Odri Fernandes, for sharing your knowledge and helping our future women leaders develop the skills to lead with confidence, empathy, and heart.
