Navigating the Emotional Paradox: Strength-Based Leadership and Conflict Management in Today’s Workplace

Gallup’s 2025 Global Emotions Report reveals a complex emotional landscape worldwide—positive feelings remain steady, with a remarkable 88% of adults feeling treated with respect, yet negative emotions like worry (39%) and stress (37%) are on the rise. This coexistence of optimism and anxiety highlights the nuanced reality facing leaders and teams today.

My own journey began in 2012 while positioned as Marketing Director for Greater China at Stryker Inc, when I was fortunate to be coached by a Gallup Strengths Coach. I learned how our unique strengths empower us, but if overused, can contribute to stress. This insight shaped my foundational approach: strength-based leadership is key to personal and team development.

Today, as negative emotions increase globally, conflict management has emerged as a vital skill—not just to resolve disagreements but to foster peace, which Gallup identifies as essential for improving health and emotional wellbeing. Even in places like Hong Kong, which enjoy relative peace, emotional fragility reveals itself through anxiety and worry in workplaces. These emotions are not mere abstractions but real indicators of social health, signaling what leaders and professionals must urgently address.

As the demand for resilience grows, conflict management becomes increasingly crucial. My method starts “with the heart”—a six-step dialogue process helping teams frame issues, mirror perspectives, explore solutions, offer support, and adapt communication styles to harness emotions constructively. Peace, I’ve found, is the vital emotion we must nurture during conflict resolution. When peace prevails, emotional wellbeing and overall health flourish.

If you lead in MedTech, engineering, or healthcare sectors, I invite you to explore how my executive coaching and conflict management services can support your team’s emotional health and drive sustainable performance. My Gallup Top 5: Restorative – Developer – Learner – Belief – Responsibility

Gallup Inc. (2025) State of the world's emotional health report. Available at: https://www.gallup.com/analytics/349280/state-of-worlds-emotional-health.aspx?utm_source=public_sector&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=global_emotions_report_october_2_10202025&utm_term=information&utm_content=state_of_the_worlds_emotional_health_2025_report_textlink_1 (Accessed: 21 October 2025).

Gallup’s 2025 Global Emotions Report uncovers rising worry amid steady respect worldwide. Discover how strength-based leadership and heart-centered conflict management empower teams in MedTech and engineering to build resilience and thrive.