Have you ever had a colleague that kept using the IM system just to write, "hi"?

What do they want? Why can't they just be more clear? Why are they so annoying and should they be thrown into the sun?

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode tackles a common yet surprisingly irritating workplace communication issue: colleagues who send instant messages that simply say "hi"—and nothing else. Drawing from a Reddit case study and its lively comment section, Simon Goode explores why this behavior can be so frustrating, especially on asynchronous platforms like email or chat, where quick and purposeful exchanges are expected.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Extreme Workplace Conflict Case Study

05:46 "Navigating Communication and Conflict"

08:19 Open Communication and Understanding

10:16 Boundaries and Clear Communication Tips

14:57 Clear Communication and Choices

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website: simongoode.com
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In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode sits down with Neo, a law student curious about the realities and pathways into dispute resolution and mediation. Their conversation covers Simon Goode's unconventional journey into the field, practical insights into mediation processes, and the challenges of handling conflict in both professional and personal contexts. Together, they explore the transferability of conflict skills, ethical dilemmas, and creative ways mediation can be adapted to better serve diverse clients.

Timestamps:

00:00 "Conflict Skills Podcast: Special Guest"

08:51 Understanding Behavior and Perception

13:43 "Managing Emotions and Self-Regulation"

16:45 Managing Emotions and Responses

26:30 Managing Conflict in Mediation

29:09 Balanced Mediation Process Explained

32:49 Navigating Power Imbalance Mediation

42:02 Conflict Resolution Strategies Overview

45:17 Negotiation Strategies at Work

49:03 "Assertiveness in Mediation Explained"

57:02 Improving Client Scheduling Challenges

01:01:23 The Power of Respectful Listening

01:09:01 "Podcast Thanks and Feedback Request"

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website: simongoode.com
email: podcast@simongoode.com

In this episode, Simon Goode shares five practical and accessible strategies for improving conflict management skills, including regulating your breathing, using statements instead of questions, finding ways to relax, writing to process conflict, and embracing a mindset of curiosity and openness. He explains each tip with relatable examples from both personal life and professional mediation, highlighting their immediate benefits and long-term impact on relationships. The episode encourages listeners to experiment with these techniques and reflect on what works best for them in challenging situations.

Timestamps:

00:00 "Calming Conflict Through Breathing"

06:42 Navigating Conflict Through Respect

08:05 Coaching Questions vs. Listening Statements

14:07 Mediation Concerns and Communication Strategies

16:10 Effective Mediator Safety Assessments

20:22 "Reset After Conflict"

24:30 Processing Emotions Through Movement

27:15 "Clarity Through Conflict Reflection"

30:03 "Navigating Communication Patterns"

32:30 "Writing to Resolve Conflict"

38:16 Conflict: Complexity Over Simplification

41:42 Navigating Uncertainty and Fog

43:16 Podcast Feedback & Suggestions Welcome

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website: simongoode.com
email: podcast@simongoode.com

In this episode, Simon Goode interviews his friend and former colleague, Meng, about their experiences teaching English in South Korea. The discussion touches on navigating cultural differences, and adapting to Korean workplace hierarchy. They discuss the challenges of managing diverse teams, handling conflict between foreign teachers and local management, and the lasting impact of these experiences on their personal and professional lives. The conversation is filled with reflections on leadership, cross-cultural communication, and fond memories of building community abroad.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Navigating Cross-Cultural Work Challenges

03:54 Cultural Challenges and Perspectives

08:00 Building Trust Across Language Barriers

10:52 First Job Challenges

15:49 "Becoming a Teacher in Busan"

16:55 Balancing Leadership and Relationships

20:18 Teacher Management Tension Abroad

25:10 Teaching Across Cultural Boundaries

26:36 Teaching Older and Younger Students

31:58 "Guidance and Support at Work"

34:10 Workplace as a Classroom

37:19 Community Bonds in Busan Memories

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website: simongoode.com
email: podcast@simongoode.com

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, host Simon Goode explores the essential skillset for anyone who finds themselves in the role of an "accidental mediator," such as managers or HR professionals dealing with workplace conflict. He breaks down six key areas: self-regulation, de-escalation, empathetic listening, coaching (using the GROW model), assertiveness and boundaries, and creating the conditions for success in conflict resolution. Throughout the episode, Simon shares practical frameworks and tips to help listeners navigate these situations more effectively and encourages feedback on this lecture-style format versus case-study discussions.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 "Accidental Mediator Conflict Tools"

06:59 "Exploring Self and Regulation"

11:59 Attention Shapes Mind and Experience

17:06 Navigating Conflict and De-escalation

25:20 De-escalation Through Empathy & Clarity

29:31 Open vs. Closed Questions Explained

35:19 "Empathy and Mediation Strategies"

38:58 Clarity Through Questions in Conflict

46:59 "Positive Confrontation Over Emotions"

49:57 Mediation vs. Performance Management Consequences

56:03 Setting Conditions for Collaboration

59:47 "Accidental Mediator's Key Steps"

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website: simongoode.com
email: podcast@simongoode.com

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, host Simon Goode explores the challenges millennials face when managing Gen Z staff, using a real-life case study to illustrate common issues like communication barriers, differing work norms, and heightened sensitivity to feedback. Simon shares practical conflict resolution strategies, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation, flexible expectations, and understanding generational "cultural differences." He encourages managers to foster collaboration by balancing assertiveness with empathy, and adapting approaches to build trust and resilience in younger teams.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Engaging Across Generational Teams

07:01 "Power of Diverse Perspectives"

08:28 Navigating Norms and Value Conflicts

12:56 Managing Stress Through Coaching

16:02 Building Trust Through Certainty

19:54 Performance Improvement Strategies

24:46 "Understanding and Engaging Gen Z"

27:34 Building Trust Through Better Listening

32:08 "Structured Meetings for Collaboration"

36:05 Listening Styles and Management Balance

39:55 "Growth Through Challenges"

41:23 Conflict Resolution Resources & Training

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website: simongoode.com
email: podcast@simongoode.com

In this episode, host Simon Goode discusses a real-life workplace scenario where someone was accused of racism after referring to a colleague by their skin color during a conversation. He breaks down the layers of workplace conflict, highlighting the roles of value and relationship conflicts, and offers practical advice for self-care and preparation when facing similar accusations. Simon also shares strategies for navigating difficult conversations and maintaining composure in stressful situations like HR meetings.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Navigating Racial Descriptor Sensitivity

03:49 Reset After Stressful Interactions

08:34 Understanding Racism's Contextual Threshold

11:38 Perception and Intent in Conflict

16:26 Navigating Relationship Conflicts

20:15 Clarifying Racism: Seeking Definitions

21:54 Questioning Racial Understanding and Response

26:27 "Structure Over Self-Control for Stress"

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website: simongoode.com
email: podcast@simongoode.com

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, host Simon Goode explores the ways people can unintentionally invite unnecessary conflict into their lives, drawing on both personal experiences and the story of a neighbor’s altercation. Simon outlines three main strategies to avoid such conflicts: learning to pause and prioritize, recognizing it's not your job to correct others, and not taking others’ actions too personally. He also shares practical mindfulness techniques and encourages reflection to help listeners break the cycle of reactive conflict.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Neighbor's Frequent Conflicts

06:31 Navigating Conflict and Prioritization

08:34 "Breath Control to Manage Conflict"

11:28 Choosing Silence Over Conflict

15:47 Managing Automatic Reactions

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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