In high-pressure environments where personalities and priorities often collide, Mike San Diego, Certified Financial Consultant and CFO of EON Group, takes an unconventional approach to conflict resolution—by blending ancient wisdom with modern business principles.
“If there is a conflict or a problem, always ask yourself FIRST: Am I the problem?” San Diego told Financial Adviser PH.
It’s a philosophy grounded in self-awareness—something he credits both to his MBA training and the teachings of Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese military strategist best known for The Art of War. “Sun Tzu is a classic leader and warrior. He has taught us how important it is to know our strengths and weaknesses, and to know and study our enemies,” San Diego explains. “That way, you can always choose your battles.”
As a senior executive overseeing teams and strategic decisions, San Diego knows that conflict is inevitable. But how you respond—especially as a leader—can either escalate or resolve the issue. His first step is always introspection. By assessing his own role in the situation, he sets the tone for a solution that’s fair, measured, and thoughtful.
Beyond personal accountability, San Diego applies tools from his MBA education, particularly when mediating conflicts between employees. One technique he swears by is a structured framework he calls PDIOS:
P – Problem: Identify the real issue at hand.
D – Demands: Understand each party’s positions—separately.
I – Interests: Dig deeper to uncover the true motivations behind the demands.
O – Options: Find common ground by offering alternatives.
S – Solution: From shared interests and available options, arrive at a resolution.
This blend of tactical thinking and emotional intelligence allows San Diego to navigate even the most complex interpersonal situations with empathy and clarity.
His advice to leaders and managers? Don’t jump to conclusions. Don’t rush to defend your position. “Learn to listen. Choose your words and your timing. And always ask: ‘What role do I play in this situation?’”
In the battlefield of modern work, San Diego proves that the best leaders aren’t those who always win—they’re the ones who choose their battles wisely and lead with insight.
