Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack

Dr. Jeremy Pollack
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The Workplace Conflict Resolution Podcast! Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, featuring host Jeremy Pollack, Ph.D., is the podcast that aims to help you improve work relationships and manage difficult conflicts.  Dr. Pollack discusses the science of workplace conflict and peace and presents short courses and quick tips with practical techniques to resolve conflicts in daily life. In his "Caller" episodes," Dr. Pollack takes callers from around the country who are dealing with stressful work relationships to provide coaching and support in solving the workplace issues that are burdening them. You will learn practical advice for managing the conflicts both up and down the corporate ladder in your own life.   Not only will you learn practical tools for resolving your own conflicts, but you’ll also no longer feel so alone in the stressful situations YOU are experiencing.    Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems   More from Jeremy:    Peaceful Leaders AcademyConflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving ConflictFREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems

  1. 7H AGO

    Conflict Isn’t the Problem, Lack of Training Is

    In this episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, we challenge one of the most common misconceptions in the workplace: conflict itself isn’t the problem—lack of training is. Dr. Jeremy Pollack explains how recurring tension is rarely about difficult people, but instead reflects a gap in conflict competency. Without a structured pathway for developing communication and de-escalation skills, everyday friction escalates into costly dysfunction. This episode reframes conflict as a skill-based issue and shows how the right training can transform workplace dynamics, strengthen trust, and improve organizational health. Dr. Pollack introduces the Peaceful Leaders Academy and walks through the core competencies that help individuals and teams navigate conflict with clarity and confidence. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  Why most workplace conflict stems from a lack of training not personality issues  What “conflict competency” means and why it’s essential for modern teams  How structured learning prevents escalation and reduces workplace toxicity  The foundational communication tools every employee should understand  How to create sustainable, long-term improvements in team dynamics Core Skills Covered:  Shared language for conflict to align team understanding  Recognizing escalation signals before tension intensifies  De-escalating listening to reduce defensiveness  Three-part assertion messaging for clear, respectful communication  Identifying underlying interests to move beyond surface-level positions Dr. Pollack also outlines a practical approach to embedding these skills into organizations:  Discovery: Assess conflict patterns and risks  Customized Design: Build a tailored training strategy  Practical Delivery: Equip teams with real-world tools The outcome is measurable improvement in communication, morale, and relational health. 🎧 Listen now to learn how building conflict competency can transform tension into trust, alignment, and stronger performance. Connect with Me 🌐 Website: PollackPeacebuilding.com 🌐 Dr. Pollack’s Courses: peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/ 📧 Email: support@pollackpeacebuilding.com 📱 LinkedIn: Jeremy Pollack es 📣 Subscribe & Share:  If this episode resonated, share it with a colleague or leader. Follow Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack for practical tools that create healthier, more effective workplaces. Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems More from Dr. Pollack:  Peaceful Leaders AcademyConflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving ConflictFREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding SystemsConnect with Dr. Pollack on social media: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn

    7 min

  2. 08/10/2025

    QUICK TIPS: The Importance of Humility for Conflict Resolution

    In this episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, we explore one of the most overlooked yet essential qualities in conflict resolution—humility. Far from being a sign of weakness, humility is a strategic skill that opens the door to trust, collaboration, and lasting solutions. Dr. Pollack breaks down how humility depends on two key sub-traits—confidence and curiosity—and why both are necessary to make it an active, powerful force in peacebuilding. Through hypothetical workplace examples, you’ll learn how humility can transform tense conversations into opportunities for understanding. Plus, Dr. Pollack shares four actionable tools you can use immediately to approach conflict with a balanced mindset. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why humility is a strength, not a weakness, in peacebuilding How confidence prevents humility from turning into self-doubt How curiosity transforms conflict into discovery Ways to build trust even in high-tension situations Four practical tools for applying humility in the workplaceKey Tools from the Episode: The Humility Pause – Before responding, ask, “What might I not be seeing here?” The Confidence-Check Statement – “Here’s what I know, and here’s what I’m still trying to understand.” The Curiosity Ladder – Ask deeper questions to uncover needs and solutions. The Trust-Building Acknowledgment – “I hear you. I can see how that would be frustrating. Let’s figure this out together.”Listen Now to discover how to combine humility, confidence, and curiosity for better conflict resolution, stronger relationships, and a more collaborative workplace. Connect with Me 🌐 Website: PollackPeacebuilding.com 🌐 Dr. Pollack’s Courses: peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/ 📧 Email: support@pollackpeacebuilding.com 📱 LinkedIn: Jeremy Pollack es 📣 Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a coworker or team leader. And don’t forget to follow Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. #humility #stayhumble #confidence #Peacebuilding #Leadership #ConflictResolution #curiosity #Psychology Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems More from Dr. Pollack: Peaceful Leaders Academy Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict FREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems Connect with Dr. Pollack on social media: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn

    10 min

  3. 08/03/2025

    QUICK TIPS: How Not to Take Things Personally

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pollack explores one of the most common emotional traps we fall into—taking things personally. Whether it’s a curt email, a dismissive look, or tough feedback, it’s easy to assume it’s about us. But in most cases, it’s not. Dr. Pollack breaks down why we take things personally, how it affects our nervous system and workplace relationships, and five practical strategies to stop the spiral before it starts. What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why we’re wired to take things personally ✅ How to regulate your response with a simple breathing technique ✅ How to reframe negative assumptions with more balanced narratives ✅ Tools to stop mind-reading and start asking the right questions ✅ A daily practice to build unshakable internal confidence Key Takeaways: Pause and Breathe to calm your nervous system before reacting. Reframe the Story and consider alternative explanations for others’ behavior. Don’t Mind-Read—you can’t know someone’s intent without asking. Ask Clarifying Questions to avoid unnecessary misinterpretations. Build Internal Confidence so others’ moods don’t shake your sense of worth. Connect with Me 🌐 Website: PollackPeacebuilding.com 🌐 Dr. Pollack’s Courses: peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/ 📧 Email: support@pollackpeacebuilding.com 📱 LinkedIn: Jeremy Pollack   📣 Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a coworker or team leader. And don’t forget to follow Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. #donttakeitpersonally #resentment #Peacebuilding #Leadership #ConflictResolution #offensive #Psychology Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems More from Dr. Pollack: Peaceful Leaders Academy Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict FREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems Connect with Dr. Pollack on social media: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn

    8 min

  4. 07/19/2025

    QUICK TIPS: 3 Primary Steps to Negotiation

    Episode Summary: Negotiation doesn’t have to feel like a battle. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pollack walks you through three essential steps to negotiating effectively—without tension or confusion. Whether you're aiming for a raise, a promotion, or a clearer role at work, this framework will help you approach the conversation with confidence, clarity, and respect. Through a relatable scenario, Dr. Pollack shows how to define your ideal outcome, prepare with data, and co-create a plan that works for everyone involved. What You’ll Learn:  ✅ How to clarify your best-case scenario before a negotiation  ✅ Why realistic expectations—and data to back them up—build credibility  ✅ How to negotiate not just for now, but for a future outcome  ✅ What to say when your ideal can’t be met immediately  ✅ Tools and phrases to use in the moment to keep conversations collaborative Key Takeaways: Know what “great” looks like—and name it clearly.Anticipate what’s fair and reasonable for both parties.Negotiate for details and progress, not just decisions.Scenario Highlighted: Follow along with “Jordan,” a mid-level marketing manager seeking a promotion, as each step of the negotiation process is illustrated in real time with practical dialogue and decision-making. Useful Tools: Outcome Mapping: “Ideal vs. Reasonable” Evidence Prep Sheet: Metrics & Results Collaborative Phrasing for Productive DialoguePerfect For: Professionals preparing for performance reviews or salary talks Team leads navigating new responsibilities or role shifts Managers looking to coach others through negotiation Anyone wanting to feel more grounded in high-stakes conversationsConnect with Me 🌐 Website: PollackPeacebuilding.com 🌐 Dr. Pollack’s Courses: peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/ 📧 Email: support@pollackpeacebuilding.com 📱 LinkedIn: Jeremy Pollack   📣 Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a coworker or team leader. And don’t forget to follow Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. #Negotiation #Collaboration #Peacebuilding #Leadership #ConflictResolution #WorkNegotiation #Psychology Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems More from Dr. Pollack: Peaceful Leaders Academy Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict FREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems Connect with Dr. Pollack on social media: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn

    8 min

  5. 07/14/2025

    QUICK TIPS: Do's and Don'ts of Work Friendships

    🗓️ Episode Summary:  In today’s episode, Dr. Jeremy Pollack explores how to build and maintain healthy boundaries between friendship and professionalism in the workplace. It’s easy—and often natural—to form close bonds with coworkers, but without clear boundaries, those relationships can lead to favoritism, burnout, or blurred responsibilities. Learn how to protect your wellbeing while fostering authentic connection. 🔑 What You’ll Learn: Why workplace boundaries matter for mental health and team dynamics Five core practices to navigate friendships at work Hypothetical examples that illustrate what healthy boundaries look like A practical “Dos and Don’ts” list to apply right away How to maintain fairness, avoid drama, and still be a kind human 📌 Key Takeaways: Clear priorities prevent work friendships from interfering with job performance Oversharing can damage professional credibility—discretion is powerful Fairness in leadership and decision-making builds team-wide trust Off-hours communication norms reduce stress and emotional fatigue Everyone’s comfort levels with closeness differ—respect their boundaries 🧰 Tools You Can Use: Assertion phrases to protect your time and energy Communication templates for deflecting work talk outside of work A quick-reference Dos & Don’ts list for daily practice 💬 Favorite Quote:  “Boundaries aren’t walls. They’re guardrails that keep relationships from veering into discomfort, burnout, or conflict.” Connect with Me 🌐 Website: PollackPeacebuilding.com 🌐 Dr. Pollack’s Courses: peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/ 📧 Email: support@pollackpeacebuilding.com 📱 LinkedIn: Jeremy Pollack   📣 Subscribe & Share:  If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a coworker or team leader. And don’t forget to follow Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. #WorkplaceBoundaries #HealthyRelationships #Peacebuilding #Leadership #ConflictResolution #WorkFriends #PsychologicalSafety Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems More from Dr. Pollack: Peaceful Leaders Academy Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict FREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems Connect with Dr. Pollack on social media: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn

    8 min

  6. 07/05/2025

    COURSE: Fight the Urge to Be Right

    This is a short course on the human psychological tendency to be right, and how that tendency fuels conflict. It’s designed to help you understand the cognitive underpinnings of this common human drive toward being right, how it influences workplace conflict, and how we might mitigate its negative effects at work.  For the full episode, including a downloadable eBook supplement, please join Dr. Pollack Peaceful Leaders Club at https://peacefulleadersacademy.com/club/. Club members get access to exclusive content, Dr. Pollack's online course library, and coaching groups with Dr. Pollack and his team. For conflict intervention and training programs, please visit our website to get more information: https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/ References for this episode: https://peacefulleadersacademy.com/club/references/rightness-july-2025/ 00:00 Introduction 02:45 The Psychology of Rightness 05:38 Cognitive Biases Overview 07:53 Confirmation Bias 10:09 Anchoring Bias 12:15 Bias Blind Spot & Naive Realism 14:01 Dunning-Kruger Effect (Overconfidence) 16:28 How Being Right Leads to Conflict 18:30 Costs of Rightness at Work 20:44 Where to Access Full Episode Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems More from Dr. Pollack: Peaceful Leaders Academy Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict FREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems Connect with Dr. Pollack on social media: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn

    36 min

  7. 06/29/2025

    QUICK TIPS: 4 Steps to Use Assertiveness and Set Boundaries at Work

    Episode Summary In this episode, Jeremy explores how to use assertiveness—not passivity or aggression—to set clear, respectful boundaries at work. You’ll learn practical tools to protect your time, reduce burnout, and improve communication with colleagues and supervisors. What You’ll Learn What assertiveness really is (and isn’t) Why boundary-setting is key to professional well-being The 4-step assertiveness framework Word-for-word example statements to use at work How to handle pushback with calm confidence Why assertiveness builds stronger teams and cultures Episode Highlights 🔹 [00:44] — The difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive communication 🔹 [01:33] — Step 1: How to recognize when a boundary is being crossed 🔹 [02:27] — Step 2: Crafting powerful “I” statements that express needs 🔹 [03:44] — Step 3: Why clarity and directness prevent misunderstandings 🔹 [05:00] — Step 4: Tools for reinforcing your boundaries respectfully 🔹 [06:17] — What to do when people push back 🔹 [07:19] — Final thoughts on building healthier workplaces through assertiveness Connect with Us 🌐 Website: PollackPeacebuilding.com 🌐 Dr. Pollack’s Courses: peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/ 📧 Email: support@pollackpeacebuilding.com 📱 LinkedIn: Jeremy Pollack   📢 Share this episode with a colleague who needs support setting healthy boundaries! Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems More from Dr. Pollack: Peaceful Leaders Academy Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict FREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems Connect with Dr. Pollack on social media: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn

    10 min

  8. 06/23/2025

    QUICK TIPS: 7 Steps to Deal with Workplace Bullying

    🔎 Episode Summary: Being bullied at work—whether by a peer or supervisor—can be isolating, frustrating, and deeply stressful. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pollack shares 7 practical, research-backed steps to help you recognize, respond to, and recover from workplace bullying. You’ll hear real-world examples, learn how to protect your mental health, and gain tools to take back your power—while staying professional and calm. Whether you’re currently being bullied or supporting someone who is, this episode offers clear guidance for navigating a toxic workplace dynamic. 🛠️ Key Steps Covered: Recognize the Behavior  → Identify patterns of disrespect, exclusion, or psychological harm. Document Everything  → Keep a detailed, dated log of incidents and impact. Set Boundaries When Safe  → Use calm, assertive language to disrupt harmful patterns. Report Internally  → Present your documentation to HR or leadership with a solutions-oriented mindset. Take Care of Your Mental Health  → Prioritize your emotional well-being and access support when needed. Explore Your Options  → If the culture won’t change, consider your long-term path elsewhere. Know Your Legal Rights  → Learn when bullying crosses into illegal harassment and what resources are available.📌 Resources & Links: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): https://www.eeoc.gov Workplace mental health resources: https://www.workplacementalhealth.org 💬 Notable Quote: "Bullying is never your fault—but addressing it is your right. One small step can lead to real change." ✅ Stay Connected with Dr. Jeremy Pollack: Website: pollackpeacebuilding.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeremypollackCourses: peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/ Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems More from Dr. Pollack: Peaceful Leaders Academy Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict FREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems Connect with Dr. Pollack on social media: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn

    8 min
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5
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About

The Workplace Conflict Resolution Podcast! Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, featuring host Jeremy Pollack, Ph.D., is the podcast that aims to help you improve work relationships and manage difficult conflicts.  Dr. Pollack discusses the science of workplace conflict and peace and presents short courses and quick tips with practical techniques to resolve conflicts in daily life. In his "Caller" episodes," Dr. Pollack takes callers from around the country who are dealing with stressful work relationships to provide coaching and support in solving the workplace issues that are burdening them. You will learn practical advice for managing the conflicts both up and down the corporate ladder in your own life.   Not only will you learn practical tools for resolving your own conflicts, but you’ll also no longer feel so alone in the stressful situations YOU are experiencing.    Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems   More from Jeremy:    Peaceful Leaders AcademyConflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving ConflictFREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Jeremy Pollack
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack
  • Show Website
    Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack