by Vani Tangella, Cohort 12
This year, nine Buell Leaders came together for the second round of Cultivating Compassion: Navigating Cultural Differences and Conflict with Care. The offering combined the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), the Intercultural Conflict Style (ICS) assessment, and trauma-informed coaching sessions. Our hope was to create space not just for understanding, but for growth, reflection, and care.
What We Learned Together
- The experience was both powerful and demanding. Leaders committed to a process that asked them to look inward and outward, to notice their own patterns, and to practice new ways of engaging across differences.
- Coaching emerged as the heart of the journey. One-on-one sessions gave participants a safe and supportive space to reflect on conflict, explore beliefs and patterns, and take concrete action steps.
- Participants gained clarity in understanding their assessment results. After completing the IDI & ICS assessments, all participants reported greater confidence in identifying and naming their conflict style and understanding of where they fall on the intercultural development continuum.
- Insights were personal and profound. Participants named powerful realizations about how they approach themselves and others. They described learning that growth is non-linear, that humility and curiosity are essential in navigating cultural differences, and that self-acceptance can shift long-held patterns.
- Application is already happening. Participants shared that they are mediating conflicts with greater awareness, using affirmations, asking more questions with curiosity, and holding themselves accountable alongside peers.
Lessons for the Future
This offering requires significant time and emotional energy. For some, that intensity is what made the experience powerful. For others, it created barriers to full participation. A few leaders chose to join the offering twice. Their commitment reminds us that growth unfolds in layers. Returning to the work can open new insights each time.
Looking ahead, to honor both the depth and accessibility of this work, we are exploring new structures that could make participation more sustainable:
- Coaching-only pathways for those who want immediate support.
- Assessment pathways with optional coaching add-ons.
- Tiered commitment levels so leaders can choose the depth that fits their capacity.
- Shorter cadences or lighter follow-up sessions to keep the learning alive over time.
As you read this, take a moment to pause and reflect:
- Where are you noticing cultural differences or conflict show up in your own life and work?
- What practices of curiosity or compassion help you stay grounded in moments of conflict?
- What support might you need to continue your own journey of growth?