Episode: Pressured Priya: Stuck in the Middle - Navigating Competing Executives

Link: https://thehrmediators.captivate.fm/episode/pressured-priya-stuck-in-the-middle-navigating-competing-executives

What this episode’s about:

In this episode we hear from "Pressured Priya" who was hired to stand up an onboarding program at the large Tech company where she works. Unfortunately, no one warned her that this would drop her right in the middle of a longstanding conflict between two executives. We help her analyze the situation from the perspectives of conflict resolution, HR, and psychology to help her make a plan for how to move forward.

Why listen:

Learn how to collaborate successfully despite entrenched conflicts.

Key takeaways

1. Learn about the five standard ways people approach conflict
2. Improve your ability to adjust your communication style and approach to your audience
3. Develop your skill in building psychological safety

Resources

• An Overview of the Thomas-Kilmann (TKI) Instrument - This is also the Link to Purchase the TKI Test
• Purchase the Thomas-Kilmann Instrument (TKI) Book
• What is Psychological Safety
• Four Steps to Build the Psychological Safety That High Performing Teams Need Today
• Google re:Work - Guides: Understand team effectiveness
• Books | Keith Ferrazzi
• How to Lead Without Authority
• Complete Employee Onboarding Guide
• Theory of Games and Economic Behavior | Princeton University Press
• Project Management Statistics
• To Retain New Hires, Spend More Time Onboarding Them - HBR quote about the value of an onboarding program

Reach out for guidance: TheHRManagers@Gmail.com

Website: TheHRMediators.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehrmediators/

About the show

Workplace conflict is inevitable, but with Karen & Kendra’s mix of HR savvy, mediation experience, psychology insights, and humor, you’ll learn to turn conflict into connection.

Credits & notes

Hosts: Karen Gleason & Kendra Beseler

© 2025 The HR Mediators

Privacy note: These are inspired by real experiences, but we change all identifying details, adjust timelines, and blend similar accounts.