What Desert Island Donkeys Teach About Leadership and Conflict Resolution

Have you ever been absolutely certain your solution was the right one, only to realize no one else saw the “obvious” problem you were solving?

As a leader, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing your facts are clear and your fixes are right. But what if those “obvious truths” are actually blinding you to the perspectives, experiences, and values of the people you lead? This episode explores how curiosity and the willingness to question what feels obvious can transform not just your leadership but your relationships and results.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

• How to recognize when your “obvious” solutions might actually be blocking collaboration and innovation.

• Simple ways to invite other perspectives that make your leadership more human and more effective.

• A mindset shift that helps you move from arguing your point to building understanding and trust.

Hit play now to discover how a few curious questions and a herd of Caribbean donkeys can make you a wiser, more empathetic leader.

Be sure to check out:

(00:58) The power of “obvious facts” — David introduces the idea that what seems clear to one person might be completely invisible to another.

(03:40) The donkey dilemma on a Caribbean island — A fascinating real-world story that reveals how perspective shapes what we see as problems and solutions.

(07:15) When your “perfect solution” backfires — David shares the frustration every leader knows: solving a problem no one else thinks exists.

(09:20) How curiosity transforms leadership — A practical takeaway on replacing arguments with questions to build trust, connection, and better results.

Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success.

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