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...
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 t...
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 wor...
🗓️ 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 ...
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 a...
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...
🔎 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, th...
🔍 Episode Summary In this episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, Jeremy dives into a critical skill for every new manager and team lead: building trust. Trust isn't automatic—it’s something you intentionally earn. Without it, even the best plans falter. But with it? You can prevent conflict, foster resilience, and lead with influence instead of authority. Whether you’re stepping into a team for the first time or trying to rebuild broken trust, this episode offers 8 actionable strategies y...
This is a short course on the efficacy and use cases of Psychometric Assessment Tools for Conflict Management. It’s designed to help you understand how conflict style assessments work and how you might use them in an organizational setting to help employees and leaders better understand themselves and each other with regard to their conflict management styles. For the full episode, including a downloadable eBook supplement, please join Dr. Pollack Peaceful Leaders Club at https://peace...
In this episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, Saima shares her struggle with a toxic work environment, where her boss seems to be undermining her due to office politics and possible budget cuts. Frustrated and feeling gaslit, Saima is looking for a way to cope while actively applying for new roles. Dr. Pollack provides strategies to help her stay grounded, set boundaries, and maintain self-worth as she plans her exit. If you're dealing with a difficult work situation or looking for ways...
In this episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, Marcus seeks guidance on dealing with job insecurity as his current company shows signs of potential failure. After switching jobs for career growth, Marcus now finds himself in a challenging situation where he wonders whether to stay or start looking for new opportunities. Dr. Pollack walks him through strategies for having open conversations with management, assessing his job stability, and exploring options without burning bridges. If you...
In this episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, Jenna shares her frustration with a bullying colleague whose domineering behavior disrupts team dynamics and goes unchecked by their boss. Despite repeated complaints, her boss continues to overlook this behavior, leaving Jenna and her team feeling unsupported. Dr. Pollack offers strategies for approaching this difficult situation, including taking a collective stance, documenting incidents, and escalating the issue through HR if necessary. ...
In this episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, Sam shares his frustration with a boss who insists on daily and weekly meetings that disrupt his sales performance. Despite being the company’s top salesperson, Sam feels micromanaged and unable to focus on what he does best. Dr. Pollack provides insights on how to approach the conversation with a collaborative mindset to reduce meeting frequency, set boundaries, and improve the relationship with his boss. If you're dealing with overbearing ...
In this episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, William shares his experience of being contracted to develop software for a school, only to face constant requests for additional features that weren't part of the original agreement. Struggling to balance client satisfaction and his own workload, William seeks advice on how to handle scope creep and how to ask for fair compensation for the extra work. Please visit our website to get more information: https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/ Host:...
In this episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, Alexandra shares a frustrating workplace conflict where her supervisor consistently makes order mistakes but refuses to take accountability, leaving her to deal with the fallout. Dr. Pollack provides strategies to approach the situation as a team effort, align on processes, and frame the conversation in a way that fosters collaboration rather than conflict. Please visit our website to get more information: https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/ ...
In this episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, we meet Daryl, who is struggling to find employment at 55 after a successful career in real estate finance. He suspects age discrimination may be affecting his job search and seeks advice on how to improve his chances of getting hired. Dr. Pollack offers actionable strategies, from optimizing resumes to leveraging LinkedIn and networking connections, to help Darrell break through the barriers. Please visit our website to get more information...
In this episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, we hear from Crystal, who is facing a tough workplace challenge with her newly promoted supervisor. Crystal feels singled out by her boss, who seems to pick on her unfairly, and she's unsure if the behavior is racially motivated. Dr. Pollack offers actionable strategies to help Crystal rebuild trust, improve communication, and navigate the complexities of workplace bias. Please visit our website to get more information: https://pollackpeaceb...
In this episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, Paris calls in to discuss a frustrating issue with his manager, who refuses to take responsibility and constantly blames her staff. Dr. Pollack offers practical advice on how to approach a difficult conversation with a supervisor, providing tips on maintaining professionalism and focusing on solutions. If you’re dealing with a boss who never owns up to their mistakes, this episode will give you the tools to navigate the situation with confide...
In this episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, Mary calls in seeking advice on a tricky situation—she discovered that a newer co-worker is making significantly more money despite having less seniority. Unsure of how to approach her boss for a raise, Mary worries about damaging relationships or being denied. Dr. Pollack walks her through a practical, thoughtful approach to asking for a raise while maintaining professionalism and advocating for her worth. If you’ve ever struggled with salar...
In this thought-provoking episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, we tackle a sensitive issue many people may face: developing feelings for a coworker while being in a committed marriage. Our caller, Paul, finds himself in this challenging situation, struggling to balance his feelings and the love he has for his wife. Dr. Pollack offers compassionate and practical advice on how to manage these emotions, focus on strengthening the marriage, and avoid potential pitfalls. If you've ever face...