Summary of "A Fresh Approach to Resolving Conflicts | Darya Shaikh" | TED Talks Daily

Introduction

In the March 26, 2025 episode of TED Talks Daily, host Elise Hu introduces Darya Shaikh’s insightful presentation on transforming conflict into a conduit for positive change. Shaikh, a seasoned conflict resolution expert, challenges conventional perceptions of conflict by presenting innovative strategies that harness disagreements to foster innovation, creativity, and hope.

Darya Shaikh’s Background and Expertise

Darya Shaikh brings over two decades of experience in navigating and resolving conflicts across diverse settings. She has dedicated ten years to working alongside Palestinians and Israelis striving for a just and sustainable peace. Her expertise extends to corporate culture transformation and reimagining humanitarian aid ecosystems. Shaikh’s primary focus is creating environments conducive to meaningful conversations, constructive conflicts, and collaborative pathways.

Reframing Conflict: From Adversity to Opportunity

Shaikh opens her talk by posing a transformative question: “What if we could have better conflicts?” [03:15]. She suggests that conflicts, often perceived as destructive, can instead be catalysts for significant advancements when approached correctly. Shaikh emphasizes that the goal of conflict should shift from winning an argument to growing from the experience, thereby unlocking potential for positive change.

Introducing the Three Horizons Framework

Central to Shaikh’s approach is the Three Horizons framework, a strategic tool designed to navigate and reconcile differing perspectives within conflicts. Originally developed by futures practitioner Bill Sharp and the International Futures Forum, this framework has been applied to various complex issues, including carbon pricing, childhood obesity, and regenerative business strategies.

Understanding the Three Horizons

1. Horizon One (H1): Business as Usual

   • Definition: Represents the current state of affairs, the dominant patterns, and existing workflows.
   • Characteristics: Stability and consistency, but increasingly showing signs of strain as the environment evolves.
   • Shaikh’s Insight: “Horizon one is the pragmatic voice with a managerial mindset responsible for keeping the lights on.” [05:45]

2. Horizon Two (H2): The Bridge

   • Definition: The transitional phase where innovation and entrepreneurship occur.
   • Characteristics: A space for incremental and transformative changes, such as harnessing AI for climate issues or implementing participatory budgeting.
   • Shaikh’s Insight: “Horizon two, the voice of the entrepreneur, is a builder helping take ideas into action.” [07:20]

3. Horizon Three (H3): The Future Vision

   • Definition: Envisions the desired future state, where new patterns and systems have taken root.
   • Characteristics: Inspirational and idealistic, driving bold ideas and transformative change.
   • Shaikh’s Insight: “Horizon three is the voice of inspiration, maybe even courage.” [08:35]

Application of Three Horizons in Corporate Conflict

Shaikh shares a compelling case study from her corporate work with a global finance firm undergoing a complex merger. The team faced cultural tensions, power struggles, and resistance to change. Utilizing the Three Horizons framework, Shaikh facilitated a strategy session that:

• Introduced the Three Horizons: Helping the team recognize and articulate their shared values and collective agency.
• Future Mapping: Encouraged the team to envision their merged entity three years into the future, fostering a sense of pride and purpose.
• Identifying Barriers (H1): Highlighted existing hurdles that needed to be overcome to achieve the new vision.
• Leveraging Innovations (H2): Identified ongoing initiatives and momentum that could be harnessed for successful integration.

This structured approach transformed the team’s mindset from resistance to collaboration, instilling a sense of possibility and enthusiasm for the future.

Changing Perspectives on Conflict

Shaikh argues that conflicts often stem from divergent "voices" representing different horizons:

• Horizon 1 (Pragmatic Voice): Focused on maintaining stability.
• Horizon 3 (Dreamer’s Voice): Driven by idealism and visionary thinking.
• Horizon 2 (Entrepreneur’s Voice): Bridges the gap through innovation and practical implementation.

By valuing each horizon’s contribution, conflicts can be reframed as opportunities for collective growth rather than sources of division. Shaikh emphasizes that no single horizon should dominate; instead, a balanced integration fosters mutual understanding and effective resolution.

Conclusions and Insights

Darya Shaikh concludes by reiterating that conflicts are inherent in all facets of life, from personal relationships to global politics. However, the approach to managing these conflicts determines their impact. By adopting frameworks like Three Horizons, individuals and organizations can transform conflicts into mechanisms for positive change.

Notable Quotes

• “What if we could have better conflicts?” – Darya Shaikh [03:15]
• “Horizon one is the pragmatic voice with a managerial mindset responsible for keeping the lights on.” – Darya Shaikh [05:45]
• “Horizon two, the voice of the entrepreneur, is a builder helping take ideas into action.” – Darya Shaikh [07:20]
• “Horizon three is the voice of inspiration, maybe even courage.” – Darya Shaikh [08:35]
• “Three Horizons is a simple, powerful way to see ourselves as part of something bigger than any one of us.” – Darya Shaikh [10:10]

Final Thoughts

Darya Shaikh’s presentation offers a nuanced perspective on conflict resolution, advocating for a strategic and empathetic approach that leverages differences to build a more innovative and collaborative future. Her insights provide valuable tools for individuals and organizations seeking to navigate conflicts constructively and emerge stronger from them.