By Victoria Pedersen

Student leaders learned the importance of a leadership role during conflict resolution March 7 on NE.

Phi Theta Kappa adviser Jared Landin led a discussion as part of the Guiding Through Conflict series that centered around the Sept. 11 attacks, the conflict experienced by emergency personnel and the way leaders chose to handle those conflicts.

“There were conflicts within the event,” Landin said.

The country was stunned by the attacks on home soil, which triggered immediate emergency responses within the agencies. Emotions ran high, Landin said. First responders did their jobs but got in each other’s way. Then, the leadership skills in each agency emerged.

“It was time to show respect for each other,” Landin said. “The factions came together, and it became us against the oppressors.”

Landin talked about conversation strategies to use during conflict.

“During stressful events, it is important to engage in three types of conversations: feelings, identity and learning,” he said.

Under stress, people can be blinded by emotion and unable to make good decisions, Landin said. Conversations create learning opportunities, allowing people to see other viewpoints and have empathy.

“These techniques can also transfer to everyday events,” he said.