What If We Loved Conflict?: How Deep Democracy Invites Healthy Conflict At Work

The idea that every consulting project will go smoothly, without a bit of conflict, is a lovely dream. But it's just that: a dream. Whenever people come together to share opinions, design something, or implement a plan, we inevitably run into differences in perspectives, values, priorities, worldviews, and so on. These differences, especially if they revolve around an important issue for us, generate conflict. Our patterns of dealing with conflict in unhealthy, non-generative ways compel us to envision a “no-conflict” environment. However, what if we learned how to work with conflict in ways that are energizing, inspiring, and creative? What if we learned that conflict could bring more wisdom to our meeting, projects, and relationships?

In this session, we will introduce participants to Deep Democracy, a methodology created in South Africa to help organizations recover from the trauma of apartheid and develop equitable organizations and healthy relations. We will learn about the principles of Deep Democracy, experience a core Deep Democracy tool, and together explore a critical question: is it possible to love conflict?

Bios

Ipek Utun

Her passion is to contribute to a world where people dare and commit to live and lead with their full potential, with love and strength. Ipek is an ICF-certified PCC level Coach, ORSCC Certified Relationship and Systems Coach, Certified Shadow Work Group Facilitator and Personal Coach, and Certified Deep Democracy Facilitator, Trainer, and Elder. She has extensive experience in coaching and training C-level executives, senior leadership teams, women leadership groups as well as facilitating small to big group processes which hold an emotional charge, polarization, and divisiveness. Ipek’s differentiating edge is her capacity to work with the deeper patterns driving complex situations and enabling personal or systemic transformation.

Maya Townsend 

She brings diverse groups together to tackle complex, systemic challenges. She works with corporations, community groups, and nonprofits to help identify strategies, mobilize networks, lead change, and resolve conflict. Co-editor of Handbook for Strategic HR (AMACOM), her writing on networks, change leadership, and business ecosystems has appeared in strategy+business, People & Strategy, Nonprofit Quarterly, and other publications. Past clients include the Austin Healthy Adolescent Initiative, Bayer, Biogen, Cambridge Community Development, Fidelity, Hanover Insurance, Headspace, Open Sky Community Services, and ZUMIX. She holds an MSOD from American University and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership & Change through Antioch University.