Communication Psychology and HR – with Gerhard Ohrband

Gerhard Ohrband, MA in Psychology (University of Hamburg/Germany)
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I’m Gerhard, a communication psychologist and consultant from Hamburg, Germany, working with HR teams and leaders in Moldova, South Eastern Europe, and beyond. Here, we explore the psychological research behind everyday HR and workplace communication — without buzzwords and without pretending everything is easy. Each week, we unpack one topic that HR professionals often hear about but rarely understand from a scientific perspective.

  1. 27 OCT

    What Is the Problem with Labelling Your Employees?

    Have you ever noticed how quickly weput people into boxes?“He’s an introvert.” “She’s a born leader.”It feels efficient — but what do we lose when we start believing our ownlabels? In business, labelling can feel likeclarity, but it often distorts reality.Because behind every “type” is a person — and behind every person, a story thatdoesn’t fit neatly into categories. #Leadership #HR #Communication#Psychology #OrganizationalCulture #Diversity #PeopleDevelopment #Mindset#WorkplaceCulture #Coaching

    9 min

  2. 20 OCT

    The Four Top Mistakes Made by Job Interviewers

    Discover the top mistakes made byjob interviewers and how to avoid them to ensure a fair and effective hiringprocess. Learn why structured interviews are a game-changer and how biases likethe beauty bias can affect your decisions. Tune in to find out how you canimprove your recruitment process and attract the best talent.#JobInterviews #HiringMistakes #StructuredInterviews #RecruitmentTips #HR#BiasInHiring #JobInterviewTips #HumanResources #HiringProcess#CandidateExperience

    13 min

  3. 13 OCT

    Is Authenticity Overrated?

    Is being authentic always the right approach? In the corporate world, where do we draw the line between authenticity and playing a role? Check out the discussion on how we balance our inner complexity and outer behavior. #Authenticity #CorporateCulture #CommunicationSkills #ProfessionalGrowth #InnerComplexity #PersonalValues #TrustBuilding

    10 min

  4. 6 OCT

    When Positive Comments Have Negative Consequences

    Praise can be a powerful tool formotivation, but did you know it can also have unintended consequences? Whetherit's making someone more vulnerable to future challenges or even backfiring ina conversation, the way we offer praise matters. In both personal andprofessional settings, it's essential to consider how and why we give feedback. #CommunicationPsychology #Feedback#Motivation #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #GrowthMindset #WorkplaceCulture#PsychologyInBusiness References Brehm, J. W.,& Brehm, S. S. (1981). Psychologicalreactance: A theory of freedom and control.Academic Press. Müller, C. M., & Dweck, C. S.(1999). Praise and personality: Implications for the development ofcompetence and motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,77(4), 868-879. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.77.4.868 Schulz von Thun, F. (2008). Miteinander reden von A bis Z: DiePsychologie der Kommunikation (1st ed.). RowohltTaschenbuch Verlag.

    12 min

  5. 27 SEPT

    There Are No Conflicts in Our Team

    Conflict doesn’t always look the way we expect it. Just because there’s no visible tension, doesn’t mean everything is fine. In my latest episode, I explore how unspoken misunderstandings and hidden conflicts can silently affect your team’s engagement, collaboration, and retention. It’s time to rethink what “conflict” really means in the workplace. #ConflictManagement #HR #TeamDynamics #EmployeeEngagement #OrganizationalCulture References Allen, D. G.,& Griffeth, R. W. (2001). Employeeturnover and retention: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(5), 1134-1151.https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.86.5.1134 De Dreu, C. K. W., & Gelfand, M.J. (2008). Conflict in the workplace: A dynamic perspective. InternationalJournal of Conflict Management, 19(3), 210-232.https://doi.org/10.1108/10444060810877517 Fisher, R., Ury, W., & Patton,B. (2011). Getting to yes: Negotiating agreement without giving in (3rded.). Penguin Books. Jehn, K. A. (1995). A multimethodexamination of the benefits and detriments of intragroup conflict. AdministrativeScience Quarterly, 40(2), 256-282. https://doi.org/10.2307/2393395 Thomas, K. W. (1992). Conflictand conflict management: Reflections and update. Journal of OrganizationalBehavior, 13(3), 265-274. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.4030130307

    13 min

  6. 20 SEPT

    What to Do Against Second Thoughts After a Conversation

    Ever had second thoughts after a tough conversation?That nagging “I should have said…” feeling usually isn’t about wit orluck—it’s about preparation. Psychologist Friedemann Schulz von Thun shows howour Inner Team can make or break communication. Which team members show up when youspeak—and which ones are missing? 👉 Discover how to train your Inner Team and walk into yournext conversation prepared. #CommunicationSkills#LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #Psychology #SelfAwareness#PublicSpeaking References Böckler, A.,Bräuer, J., Grosse Holtforth, M., & Ehrenthal, J. C. (2020). Know thy selves: Learning to understand oneself increasesthe ability to understand others.Frontiers inPsychology, 11.https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.571746 PMC Hodgdon, H. B.,van der Kolk, B., Southwell, K., Hrubec, T., & Schwartz, R. C. (2021). Internal Family Systems Therapy for Posttraumatic StressDisorder Among Survivors of Multiple Childhood Trauma. Journal of TraumaticStress, 34(3), 652-662. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2021.2013375Tandfonline+1 Schulz von Thun, F. (1998). Miteinander reden 3: Das Innere Teamund situationsgerechte Kommunikation: Kommunikation, Person, Situation. Reinbek bei Hamburg, Germany:Rowohlt. PMC+1 Schwartz, R.C., Sweezy, M. (2019). InternalFamily Systems Skills Training Manual: Trauma-Informed Treatment for Anxiety,Depression, PTSD & Self-Esteem.Oakland, CA: Internal Family Systems Institute. IFS Institute Van der Kolk, B., Hodgdon, H. B.,& Schwartz, R. C. (2024). Online Group-Based Internal Family SystemsTreatment for PTSD: Feasibility and Acceptability of the Program. Journal ofClinical Psychology, 80(8), 1374-1390. PMC

    11 min

  7. 13 SEPT

    How to Master Your Inner Dialogue

    Ever notice a lively conversation inside your own mind—each voice nudging you in a different direction? Mastering these inner voices is the first step to clearer, more authentic communication with the world. #InnerDialogue #SelfAwareness #CommunicationPsychology #InnerTeam #LeadershipFromWithinReferences López-Jiménez, A. M., &Rodríguez-Testal, J. F. (2016). Relationship between inner dialog andideas of reference and the mediating role of dissociation. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology.  https://doi.org/10.1111/sjop.12344 Oleś, P. K., & Brinthaupt, T. M. (2020). Types of inner dialogues andfunctions of self-talk: Comparisons and implications. Frontiers inPsychology, 11, 227. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00227 Van der Ven, E., & Peled-Avron, L. (2015). Bringing the “self” intofocus: Conceptualising the role of self-experience for understanding andworking with distressing voices. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1129. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01129 Schulz von Thun, F. (2003). Miteinanderreden 3: Das innere Team und situationsgerechte Kommunikation. Reinbek bei Hamburg: Rowohlt.

    15 min

  8. 8 SEPT

    The Unscripted Challenge - Why Difficult Conversations Feel Harder Than Public Speaking

    Public speaking is rehearsed, scripted, and predictable. But what about theconversations we can’t plan—the ones that take unexpected turns, stir emotions,or shift roles on the spot? In this episode of The Unscripted Challenge, we explore why real-life conversationsoften feel harder than stepping onto a stage—and how you can navigate them withmore confidence. References Afifi, W. A., & Weiner, J. L. (2004). Toward a theory of motivatedinformation management. CommunicationTheory, 14(2), 167–190. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2885.2004.tb00310.x Kaneko, A. (2024). Communication apprehension in the workplace: The role ofposition and facilitation skills. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly. Advanceonline publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/23294906241295696 Lillie, T., Venetis, M. K., &Chernichky-Karcher, S. (2023). Resilience communication mitigates thenegative relational effects of topic avoidance: Evidence from parentalcaregiving and COVID-19 pandemic contexts. Personal Relationships, 30(4), 1252–1273. https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12508 McCroskey, J. C., Beatty, M. J., Kearney, P., & Plax, T. G. (1985). Thecontent validity of the PRCA-24 as a measure of communication apprehensionacross communication contexts. CommunicationQuarterly, 33(3), 165–173. https://doi.org/10.1080/01463378509369595

    6 min
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About

I’m Gerhard, a communication psychologist and consultant from Hamburg, Germany, working with HR teams and leaders in Moldova, South Eastern Europe, and beyond. Here, we explore the psychological research behind everyday HR and workplace communication — without buzzwords and without pretending everything is easy. Each week, we unpack one topic that HR professionals often hear about but rarely understand from a scientific perspective.

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