We explore the future of communication through the lens of conflict, with Lena Morgan, former midwife turned conflict resolution specialist. Zoë shares updates from Planet Human, reflecting on the scathing insights from the Edelman Trust Barometer and her return from the Australian Alpine Walking Track. The Kickstarter for her latest book, Power Games, is on the horizon.

Then we welcome Lena Morgan, creator of The Fight Languages. Lena unpacks how understanding our instinctive conflict responses can turn tension into connection. Drawing on her experience in high-stress environments, she shares how organisations can transform culture by decoding these ‘fight languages.’

This episode delves into how somatic intelligence, leadership presence, and emotional fluency are crucial in today’s polarised environments.

SHOWNOTES are here:

https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/conflict-resolution-fight-languages

Power Games: https://www.zoerouth.com/power-games

Zoë's Substack: https://substack.com/@zoerouth

Planet Human:

Edelman Trust Barometer reveals collapsing trust in key institutions, with growing class divides and despair.

https://www.edelman.com/trust-barometer

Key Quotes:

"Conflict is information—it tells us what matters most to people." – Lena Morgan

"Assume self-interest, not good intent. That’s how we keep eyes wide open and hearts open." – Zoë Routh

"We all stay in the fight too long. The real skill is knowing when to pause and pivot." – Lena Morgan

Questions Asked:

What are the five fight languages and how do they show up in teams?

How can leaders manage their own conflict response before addressing others’?

Why is somatic intelligence essential in high-stakes conversations?

How can we better support extinguishers, amplifiers, and analyzers in a workplace?

Take Action:

Notice your personal conflict pattern. Are you an igniter, amplifier, negotiator, analyzer, or extinguisher?

Use Lena’s techniques to pause and pivot—whether it’s through movement, silence, or strategic escape.

Open dialogue with your team about how they experience tension. Use the fight language framework to foster mutual understanding.

Tip of the Week

Create a “fight language map” with your team. Identify each member’s default response and explore ways to better support one another in high-tension moments.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Theme

00:23 Edelman Trust Barometer Report

01:30 Restoring Trust in Systems

02:36 Positive Aspects in Australia

03:27 Personal Update and Upcoming Projects

04:24 Assuming Good Intent in Conflict

05:24 Exploring Power Games and Self-Interest

08:25 Interview with Lena Morgan: Fight Languages

16:25 Understanding Different Fight Languages

22:44 Understanding the Analyzer's Perspective

23:26 Introducing the Extinguishers

24:41 Navigating Mixed Fight Languages

26:10 Starting with Your Own Fight Language

27:22 Techniques for Managing Fight Responses

29:45 Handling Different Fight Languages

35:51 The Fast Three Questions

37:34 The Importance of Conflict in Relationships and Business

38:24 Conclusion and Resources