Conflict Skills

Simon Goode
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Simon Goode is a professional mediator and the host of the Conflict Skills Podcast, where he offers free resources and tools to navigate conflicts both in and out of the workplace. With a focus on practical strategies, Simon’s podcast addresses real-world scenarios, providing listeners with the tools to handle disputes effectively. In his recent episodes, he delves into the intricacies of workplace mediation, using case studies like conflicts between managers and staff members to illustrate his points. Simon's expertise and approachable style make his podcast an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their conflict resolution skills.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Unfair Workload In Small Teams: Strategies to Respond Assertively

    In this episode, Simon Goode explores a workplace conflict scenario where a colleague repeatedly leaves unfinished work for others at the last minute, discussing various options for addressing the situation. Simon Goode breaks down the conflict using a five-type framework—data, relationship, structure, interest, and values—offering practical strategies for each. He emphasizes that there isn't a single right approach, and encourages listeners to consider their own boundaries and needs before deciding how to respond. ------------ For more conflict resolution resources visit simongoode.com.  simongoode.com -------------- How to Respond When a Colleague Dumps Last-Minute Work On Your Plate Have you ever found yourself picking up unfinished tasks from a colleague who leaves early, only to feel burned out and underappreciated? In my latest Conflict Skills Podcast episode, I dive into a case where one team member is left cleaning up after another—exploring practical strategies to address the pattern without escalating conflict or seeming "difficult". Here are my 3 key takeaways for handling these tricky situations: Understand the Types of Conflict: Not all workplace friction is the same. Consider whether the core issue is about structure (how work is allocated), interests (who wants what), values (subjective expectations around teamwork), data (clarity of job roles), or relationships (interpersonal attitudes).Normalize Different Perspectives: When discussing the problem, acknowledge both your own and others’ viewpoints. Phrasing like “I know in other teams, this was common, but I find last-minute requests challenging. Could we talk about ways to improve notice?” keeps the tone neutral and solution-focused.Explore Structural Solutions: Sometimes, the best fix lies in changing processes. Suggest regular check-ins about workloads, redesign deadlines, or clarify what constitutes a fair division of labor to prevent future bottlenecks.Conflict is inevitable, but with the right tools, you can address it constructively and protect your well-being. Want more tips for handling workplace challenges? Listen to the full episode or connect with me for resources! #ConflictResolution #WorkplaceSkills #Teamwork #ProfessionalDevelopment Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect.  website: simongoode.com  email: podcast@simongoode.com

    20 min

  2. 10 APR

    Handling Colleague Clashes and Gossip Without Losing Your Cool

    Feeling tension at work and unsure how to navigate tricky team dynamics? This episode, we broke down a real-life conflict between colleagues—covering everything from feeling isolated and facing gossip to the anxiety of not knowing what others think. My advice? Start with self-care and emotional regulation, use calm, neutral language in tough conversations, and keep your expectations realistic. You can't control others, but you can control how you respond. Remember: focus on being positive, professional, and solution-oriented so you can thrive, even when facing workplace conflict. TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Workplace conflict case study intro 03:27 Navigating stress and social anxiety 06:44 Preparing for tough conversations 12:51 Navigating workplace small talk 13:50 Managing conflict and team expectations 17:24 Closing thoughts and resources Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect.  website: simongoode.com  email: podcast@simongoode.com

    18 min

  3. 23 MAR

    Masterclass: Strategies for Handling Personality Differences at Work

    In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode explores the Big Five personality model and its practical application for understanding and managing workplace conflicts. He compares the Big Five to other popular personality frameworks like DISC and Myers-Briggs, highlighting why the Big Five offers more actionable insights. Simon Goode also shares strategies for identifying personality differences, using structure to mitigate conflict, and communicating in a mutual and neutral way to support healthier team dynamics.  --- Simon Goode is a professional mediator and the host of the Conflict Skills Podcast. Drawing from his experience in conflict resolution, Simon launched his podcast to offer practical, free tools and resources for people dealing with conflict in their personal and professional lives. In each episode, Simon explores topics like personality differences, focusing on useful models such as the Big Five type indicators to help listeners understand themselves and others better. His goal is to provide actionable strategies—especially for managing workplace conflicts—making his podcast a valuable guide for anyone seeking to navigate challenging interactions more effectively. --- TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 "Navigating Workplace Personality Conflicts" 06:07 Personality Traits and Social Conflict 08:38 Managing Teams Through Structured Planning 13:01 Openness: Traits and Differences 14:31 "Big Five Openness Explained" 17:13 "Understanding Openness in Teams" 21:56 Conscientiousness and Behavioral Traits 24:34 "Collaborating on Organization & Approach" 27:13 Balancing Team Dynamics Effectively 33:16 Managing Emotions: Anxiety & Anger 35:24 Managing Differences Through Dialogue Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect.  website: simongoode.com  email: podcast@simongoode.com

    38 min

  4. 18 MAR

    5 Tools to Manage Conflict on Agile Software Teams: Developer Clashes with Project Manager

    In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode analyzes a workplace conflict between a software developer and a project manager working on upgrading a CRM for an important client. Simon breaks down the situation using five conflict categories—relationship, data, interests, values, and structure—offering practical frameworks and strategies for understanding and managing such clashes. The episode is packed with actionable advice for listeners facing similar challenges in their own work environments. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Developer vs. Manager Conflict Escalates 03:54 Workplace Conflict Dynamics Explained 07:53 "Navigating Interests, Data, Values" 10:15 "Mitigating Team Conflict Structurally" 14:25 Improving Relationships Through Clarity 17:06 Resolving Conflicts Through Understanding 20:18 Navigating Authority and Conflict Dynamics 23:56 "Adjusting Team Communication Structure" 27:23 Conflict Insights and Resolutions Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect.  website: simongoode.com  email: podcast@simongoode.com

    28 min

  5. 11 MAR

    Bringing Calm to Conflict: Using Mindfulness Techniques in Conflict Management

    Would you like to feel more calm in the midst of conflict? In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, host Simon Goode talks with mindfulness specialist and former mediator Charlotte Tharup about how mindfulness can support conflict resolution both in personal and workplace settings. Charlotte shares practical techniques for self-regulation during difficult conversations, emphasizing the importance of body awareness and kind curiosity towards uncomfortable emotions. We explore some of the neuroscience behind mindfulness and discuss strategies to cultivate calm, empathy, and constructive engagement amid conflict. --------------------- CHARLOTTES WEBSITE:  https://themindfulnessclinic.com.au/ You can download a variety of resources as well as sign up to the newsletter.  --------------------- TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 "Mindfulness in Conflict Resolution" 05:41 Journey into Conflict Resolution 06:52 "Mindfulness for Leadership and Conflict" 10:01 "Alternatives to Violence Through Calm" 14:02 Awakening Through Mindful Awareness 19:31 "Mindfulness Through Kind Curiosity" 21:33 Managing Emotions in Conflict 25:50 "Awareness and Emotional Dynamics" 28:51 "Body Leads, Mind Follows" 32:49 Rushing Disrupts Awareness and Empathy 36:42 "Thanks and Stay Connected" 37:33 "Thanks and Goodbye" ---------------  INTRO REFLECTION:  Every thought is an afterthought.     As a human, at any one moment we have more sensory data coming in than we can manage efficiently. As a result, our brain selects what to prioritise.    Our perception acts as a filter, choosing which aspects of our incoming sensory data we become aware of.     Our brain effectively creates an internal model of our current outside world which we experience as 'reality'.     Before that awareness, our body reacts almost immediately to incoming sensory data. This reaction occurs before we become consciously aware (or think or feel anything).     Always retrospectively, our brain creates what seems to be a coherent 'story'. This includes thoughts and feelings, urges and whims, sensations and interpretations.     The brain (pre-frontal cortex) will literally 'lie' to itself to make sense of what is happening - it can only ever make a 'best guess' at predicting what is happening in our context and what we might need to do next.    What an unusual concept to grapple with - our brain lying to itself....     I suppose then, in a sense, so do we all.    By comparison, when we engage with mindfulness, we turn our attention to the texture and nuance of our experience in the moment. Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect.  website: simongoode.com  email: podcast@simongoode.com

    38 min

  6. 4 MAR

    Mediation vs. Investigation: Choosing the Right Path for Workplace Conflict

    In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode is joined by a fellow mediator mediator and former employment lawyer, Fiona Bigelli, to discuss the realities of workplace investigations and alternative approaches to resolving conflict. Fiona shares insights on the high-stakes, structured nature of investigations, the importance of procedural fairness, and why addressing issues early—with coaching, facilitated workshops, and mediation—can often be more effective and restorative. They also explore practical advice for organizations and individuals experiencing conflict, highlighting the value of clarity, support, and proactive communication. --------------------- Pax People offer options for restoring workplace relationships following completion of investigations in circumstances where the parties remain working together.  Learn more about Fiona's services or get in touch through their website paxpeople.com.au.  --------------------- My website is simongoode.com  You can find information about my services or join the Conflict Skills newsletter for free resources and tools for dealing with conflict.  Email me at podcast@simongoode.com Please like and subscribe:👍😎. Thanks as always for listening 🙏 TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 "Conflict Skills & Workplace Mediation" 04:32 Workplace Investigations and Risks 09:14 Employment Law and High-Stakes Investigations 11:51 Evolving Workplace Conflict Trends 14:58 "Team Bonding via Deep Reflection" 18:21 Addressing Workplace Dysfunction Proactively 23:43 Facilitated Workshops for Team Success 26:15 Grievance Investigations: Costs and Choices 30:04 "Workplace Support and Regulation" 31:49 Managing Emotions at Work 34:14 "Thanks to Fiona Bigelli" Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect.  website: simongoode.com  email: podcast@simongoode.com

    35 min

  7. 25 FEB

    How to Set Boundaries and Follow Up Assertively in Difficult Conversations

    In this episode, Simon Goode explores how to follow up assertively in conflict situations without crossing into aggression, using a real-life neighborhood dispute as a case study. He breaks down practical strategies for communicating boundaries, weighing escalation options, and balancing assertiveness with relationship-building. The episode emphasizes adapting your approach to fit your context and values, and encourages listeners to reflect on their own methods and share their experiences. TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 The Challenges of Conflict Resolution 06:16 "Resolving Property Dispute Options" 09:19 Navigating Boundary Issues Diplomatically 10:39 "Conflict, Compromise, and Boundaries" 14:08 "Neighbor Dispute: Final Warning" 17:34 "Effective Follow-up Strategies" 22:53 Prioritizing Harmony With Neighbors 24:18 "Approaches to Conflict Resolution" Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect.  website: simongoode.com  email: podcast@simongoode.com

    26 min

  8. 18 FEB

    Training Mediators: Skills, Challenges, and Building Resilience in Conflict Management

    In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode interviews Linda Kochanski, an experienced mediator and trainer, about her 33-year journey in mediation, her approach to training new mediators, and the importance of reflective practice and resilience in the field. They explore how mediation skills benefit professionals from diverse backgrounds, including HR and rehabilitation, and discuss the challenges and rewards of working with conflict, especially in family dispute resolution. Linda Kochanski also shares insights on mentorship, continuing professional development, and her commitment to helping others build lifelong conflict management skills. ------------------ Linda coordinates several courses with the College of Law in different states around Australia. For information please visit: https://www.collaw.edu.au/  The book Linda mentions: Mediating with Families (5th edition)  -------------------   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 "Mediation Skills as Life Tools" 03:44 Qualities of Effective Mediators 09:12 "Breaking Down Mediation Process" 12:03 Encouraging Growth Through Coaching 15:05 "Becoming a Reflective Practitioner" 16:17 "Mediator Challenges in Family Disputes" 20:15 "Prioritizing Growth and Mentorship" 23:43 "Importance of Verbalizing Thoughts" 27:49 "Learning and Growth Through Mediation" 29:28 "Mediation Skills for Life" Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect.  website: simongoode.com  email: podcast@simongoode.com

    30 min
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About

Simon Goode is a professional mediator and the host of the Conflict Skills Podcast, where he offers free resources and tools to navigate conflicts both in and out of the workplace. With a focus on practical strategies, Simon’s podcast addresses real-world scenarios, providing listeners with the tools to handle disputes effectively. In his recent episodes, he delves into the intricacies of workplace mediation, using case studies like conflicts between managers and staff members to illustrate his points. Simon's expertise and approachable style make his podcast an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their conflict resolution skills.

Information

  • Creator
    Simon Goode
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Simon Goode
  • Show Website
    Conflict Skills

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