Talking in Times of Tension: Lessons from the First 2026 Gathering of the Leading with Purpose Community

Talking in Times of Tension: Lessons from the First 2026 Gathering of the Leading with Purpose Community

Crisis management and conflict resolution remain among the most complex challenges organizations face. Not only because they test teams’ ability to respond, but also because they reveal how trust, leadership, and collaboration are built or weakened in high-pressure moments.

 

In this context, we held the first 2026 gathering of the Leading with Purpose Community, a forum that brought together community members, members of its board, and representatives from various organizations to reflect collectively on how to approach difficult conversations and manage tensions within teams.

 

The gathering was held together with Dominó, part of Grupo Cadaqués, who welcomed the community to a space designed to encourage open conversation, the exchange of experiences, and the building of shared learning.

 

Rather than seeking single answers or closed models, the gathering opened a space to pause and observe how organizations are dealing today with uncertainty, pressure, and relational strain. Because conflicts often arise not only from differences of opinion, but also from difficulties in having timely conversations, sustaining disagreement, or creating contexts of psychological trust.

 

Throughout the session, two conversation dynamics took place in which participants shared concrete experiences, everyday challenges, and practices that have helped them address complex situations within their teams and organizations.

 

One of the most significant insights that emerged from the conversations was the need to understand conflict not as an isolated problem, but as an expression of deeper cultural dynamics. In many cases, tensions arise when organizations grow, change, or face high-demand contexts, and the ability to talk things through becomes a key factor in sustaining relationships, coordination, and shared purpose.

 

Another idea that came through strongly was that leading in times of crisis requires developing new capabilities: listening actively, creating supportive spaces, enabling uncomfortable conversations, and making decisions without losing sight of their human impact on people and teams.

 

Beyond individual learnings, the gathering highlighted the value of building community among organizations that share similar concerns. Hearing diverse experiences, contrasting perspectives, and recognizing common challenges not only broadens viewpoints, but also strengthens the possibility of learning collectively.

 

If one thing became clear during this first gathering, it is that organizations increasingly need spaces where conversation—even about difficult things—is part of the culture. Spaces where leadership is built not only on answers, but also on the ability to hold questions, open dialogue, and build trust amid complexity.

 

The Leading with Purpose Community will continue to promote gatherings like this, convinced that transforming organizations also means transforming the way we relate to one another, collaborate, and face challenges together.

 

If you’d like to join this community, or if your organization is currently facing challenges around trust, leadership, or conflict management within its teams, write to us at almabrands@almabrands.com. We can co-design spaces and experiences that help drive these conversations within your organization.