Next-Generation Executives Network: Leading Across Generations

The 2026 kickoff session for the Next-Generation Executives Network focused on helping rising leaders strengthen their ability to manage crucial conversations – discussions where stakes are high, emotions run strong and differing opinions can create tension.

Facilitator Dan Gonder emphasized that people often perform worst during these moments, making it essential for leaders to choose to “talk it out rather than act it out.” Effective crucial conversations require two core traits: humility and emotional intelligence. Leaders were asked to self‑assess areas such as giving credit, listening well, acknowledging weaknesses and being aware of how their actions affect others.

A significant portion of the session centered on trust, drawing from Patrick Lencioni’s team‑effectiveness framework. High‑trust teams engage in healthy debate, admit mistakes, ask for help and communicate openly. Gonder noted that trust must be built intentionally, especially in teams with long histories or family dynamics, where past experiences may complicate current interactions.

Participants also explored what healthy conflict looks like. Leaders were encouraged to keep disagreements focused on the issue, not the person, and to consider whether conflict is being affected by individual insecurities, relationship history, timing or environmental factors. Establishing clear ground rules for communication helps create psychological safety and guides healthier debate. Examples included listening fully, avoiding personal attacks and challenging ideas rather than individuals.

To put these concepts into practice, Gonder shared a structured approach to preparing for high‑stakes conversations: start with clear intentions (“start with heart”), separate facts from assumptions, seek to understand other perspectives, maintain a safe environment and recognize that resolving complex issues usually takes multiple discussions.

The session closed by encouraging leaders to identify one crucial conversation they’ve been avoiding and apply these tools to approach it with clarity, confidence and respect.

The Next-Generation Executives Network will meet on Feb. 18 at TRSA’s 16th Annual Legislative Conference and Industry Awards Dinner in Washington, DC. For more information on the Next-Generation Executives Network, contact TRSA’s Meredyth Ellington at mellington@trsa.org and/or Jason Risley at jrisley@trsa.org.