
Leaders: Shift from reacting to relating to build trust
From The re.think Podcast by Dr. David Zierk
December 16, 2025 · 19 min · Episode 15
About this episode
Dr. David Zierk discusses the importance of shifting from reacting to relating in order to build trust and navigate conflict effectively.
Conflict isn’t just a clash between two people—it’s the collision of two histories. In this episode, Dr. David Zierk breaks down his Conflict Navigation Roadmap, a practical way to understand your internal tug-of-war before you ever speak a word. Leaders who master this shift—from reacting to relating—strengthen trust, connection, and clarity in every room they’re in. Highlights → Why conflict rarely “resolves” and what it actually reveals. → The real trigger you’re responding to (Hint: it’s not the moment, it’s the meaning). Follow Dr. David Zierk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/ Website: www.davidzierk.com Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/ About Dr. David Zierk: With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind? Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of…
People in this episode
Hosts: David Zierk, Zierk, David
Topics covered
- conflict resolution
- leadership
- trust building
- communication
Keywords
- Conflict Navigation Roadmap
- trust
- connection
- clarity
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind?
Books & works: Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You, a Master of Arts, a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Places: Denver, Colorado
More episodes of The re.think Podcast
- Episode 24: The Internal Compass: Leading Yourself Before You Lead Others · April 21, 2026 · 21 min
- Episode 23: Relationship Tycoons: The New Measure of Leadership Influence · April 8, 2026 · 31 min
- From Conflict to Connection: The 4 Building Blocks Every Leader Needs · March 24, 2026 · 32 min
- The Anger Algorithm: The Leader's Secret Weapon for High-Stakes Moments · March 10, 2026 · 19 min
- Episode #20: Quiet Leadership: How Presence Beats Power in a Noisy World · February 10, 2026 · 23 min
- Relational Gravity: How to Stop Getting Pulled Into Roles You’ve Outgrown · February 3, 2026 · 17 min
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