Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack

Hosted by Dr. Jeremy Pollack

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Jun 2026

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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 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

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June 16, 20267 min

Business Partner Problems: When Trust Starts Breaking Down

When co-founders stop having honest conversations, the business often feels the impact long before anyone addresses the problem.In this episode, we explore a common but rarely discussed leadership challenge: growing resentment between co-founders. What happens when one partner begins making major decisions without collaboration? How do you raise concerns without triggering defensiveness, blame, or a complete breakdown in the relationship? And how can leadership teams protect company culture when employees can sense tension at the top?Using a realistic founder scenario, we unpack three critical questions:✅ How to start a difficult conversation before conflict escalates✅ How to distinguish between a partnership that can be repaired and one that may have reached its natural conclusion✅ How much transparency leaders should have with employees when leadership relationships become strainedThis discussion is especially relevant for founders, business partners, agency owners, consultants, executives, and leadership teams who want to navigate conflict constructively while preserving trust, accountability, and organizational stability.In this video, you'll learn:• Common warning signs of co-founder resentment• Why avoidance often makes leadership conflict worse• Practical strategies for having high-stakes conversations• How to assess the health of a business partnership• The impact leadership tension has on company culture• Best practices for communicating with employees during internal challenges• Ways to rebuild trust and alignment after conflictHealthy organizations are built on healthy relationships. The goal isn't to avoid conflict—it's to develop the skills and conversations that allow people to move through it productively.If you're facing co-founder conflict, partnership tension, leadership misalignment, workplace communication challenges, or organizational trust issues, this episode offers practical insights to help you move forward.🎧 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 SystemsMore 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

June 1, 20268 min

How Great Leaders Handle Accountability

Why do so many leaders avoid accountability conversations, even when they know those conversations matter? In this video, Dr. Jeremy Pollack breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in leadership communication: accountability itself is not what damages morale, trust, or relationships. More often, the real problem is how accountability conversations are handled. You’ll learn why these conversations feel uncomfortable, what causes them to go sideways, and how a more structured approach can transform accountability from something reactive and stressful into something clear, constructive, and trust-building.In this training, we cover:-Why leaders tend to avoid accountability conversations-The myth that accountability lowers morale-What actually causes accountability discussions to fail-The difference between behavioral feedback and personal criticism-How structure reduces defensiveness and confusion-A leadership mindset shift that makes difficult conversations easier and more effectiveThis video is especially helpful for:Managers and supervisors HR professionals Team leaders and executives Anyone responsible for performance conversations or workplace communication 🎧 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 SystemsMore 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

May 5, 20268 min

Why Timing Matters in Conflict Management

Most leaders don’t struggle with conflict because they lack authority. They struggle because timing is unclear and the cost of getting it wrong builds quietly over time.Step in too late, and conflict becomes layered, emotional, and harder to untangle. Step in too early, and you unintentionally take ownership away from your team.I will break down the real leadership challenge behind conflict management: Why timing is the deciding factor in whether conflict escalates or resolves What happens when leaders intervene too late vs. too early When you should not step in and why that restraint matters The signals that tell you conflict now requires structure What effective, structured mediation actually looks like in practice If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Should I step in or let this play out?” this will give you a clearer way to recognize that turning point.Because effective conflict management isn’t reactive. It’s about knowing when a situation can still resolve on its own and when it needs structure to move forward. Description:🎧 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 SystemsMore 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

April 7, 202613 min

Why Workplace Conflicts Escalate (And How to Stop It)

Why do workplace conflicts escalate so quickly, even when no one intends harm?In this video, Dr. Jeremy Pollack explains why workplace conflicts escalate and how to stop it by unpacking two powerful psychological drivers: cognitive bias and emotional reactivity. What starts as a simple misunderstanding can quickly spiral when our brains assign meaning, trigger emotion, and react before we’ve fully understood the situation.You’ll learn: • Why conflict escalation is driven more by interpretation than intention • The most common cognitive biases that distort workplace interactions • How emotional reactivity fuels defensiveness and miscommunication • Practical de-escalation strategies to interrupt conflict before it damages trust and productivityAt Pollack Peacebuilding Systems, we help leaders and organizations move beyond conflict avoidance toward true conflict transformation,building healthier communication, stronger relationships, and more resilient teams.If you want to strengthen your team’s ability to manage conflict constructively, explore our training programs and courses at PeacefulLeadersAcademy.com or connect with us directly for a consultation.Because better workplaces aren’t built by eliminating conflict, they’re built by handling it well.🎧 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 SystemsMore 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

March 23, 20266 min

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 SystemsMore 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

August 10, 20259 min

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 peacebuildingHow confidence prevents humility from turning into self-doubtHow curiosity transforms conflict into discoveryWays to build trust even in high-tension situationsFour 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 #PsychologyHost: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding SystemsMore 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

August 3, 20258 min

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 confidenceKey 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 #PsychologyHost: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding SystemsMore 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

July 19, 20258 min

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 collaborativeKey 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 & ResultsCollaborative Phrasing for Productive DialoguePerfect For:Professionals preparing for performance reviews or salary talksTeam leads navigating new responsibilities or role shiftsManagers looking to coach others through negotiationAnyone 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 #PsychologyHost: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding SystemsMore 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

July 14, 20258 min

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 dynamicsFive core practices to navigate friendships at workHypothetical examples that illustrate what healthy boundaries look likeA practical “Dos and Don’ts” list to apply right awayHow to maintain fairness, avoid drama, and still be a kind human📌 Key Takeaways:Clear priorities prevent work friendships from interfering with job performanceOversharing can damage professional credibility—discretion is powerfulFairness in leadership and decision-making builds team-wide trustOff-hours communication norms reduce stress and emotional fatigueEveryone’s comfort levels with closeness differ—respect their boundaries🧰 Tools You Can Use:Assertion phrases to protect your time and energyCommunication templates for deflecting work talk outside of workA 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 #PsychologicalSafetyHost: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding SystemsMore 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

July 5, 202536 min

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 Introduction02:45 The Psychology of Rightness05:38 Cognitive Biases Overview07:53 Confirmation Bias10:09 Anchoring Bias12:15 Bias Blind Spot & Naive Realism14:01 Dunning-Kruger Effect (Overconfidence)16:28 How Being Right Leads to Conflict18:30 Costs of Rightness at Work20:44 Where to Access Full EpisodeHost: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding SystemsMore 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