Concession Stand

Leadership means knowing when to dig in, but also when to give in.

The Kiss of Peace and Justice by Laurent de La Hyre, 1654

“It is not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters.” — Epictetus

Conflict is part of life. Most of us try to avoid it as much as we can, either through gestures of compromise or by not standing up for ourselves.

Yet, despite our best efforts, there will be times when we have to confront something we’d rather not—or perhaps we’re confronted by others. Whether we have to cede ground, claim victory, or experience a crushing blow, the results are simply a matter of reality.

And it’s natural to have a victory celebration or a temper tantrum, depending on the direction fate points. We’re emotional beings. We get swept up in the moment.

Ultimately, we’ll be judged on our reaction. For that is the only thing we can control in most circumstances.

We can’t control what people will think, nor can we regulate elements that are external to us. Our emotions and our comportment are entirely within our own power; how we express th…