Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack

🗓️ 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: https://www.pollackpeacebuilding.com/PollackPeacebuilding.com [http://pollackpeacebuilding.com/] 🌐 Dr. Pollack’s Club: https://www.pollackpeacebuilding.com/peacefulleadersacademy.com/club [http://peacefulleadersacademy.com/club]📧 Email: support@pollackpeacebuilding.com 📱 LinkedIn: Jeremy Pollack [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremypollack1/]  📣 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 [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/about/jeremy-pollack/] from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/] More from Dr. Pollack: * Peaceful Leaders Academy [https://peacefulleadersacademy.com/] * Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1647399521] * FREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/ebook/] Connect with Dr. Pollack on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/pollackpeacebuilding/] | Twitter [https://twitter.com/pollackpeace] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3K6m_0bO31lD7JUc0th_vQ] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pollack-peacebuilding/]

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 [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/about/jeremy-pollack/] from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/] More from Dr. Pollack: * Peaceful Leaders Academy [https://peacefulleadersacademy.com/] * Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1647399521] * FREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/ebook/] Connect with Dr. Pollack on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/pollackpeacebuilding/] | Twitter [https://twitter.com/pollackpeace] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3K6m_0bO31lD7JUc0th_vQ] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pollack-peacebuilding/]

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: https://www.pollackpeacebuilding.comPollackPeacebuilding.com [http://pollackpeacebuilding.com] 🌐 Dr. Pollack’s Club: https://www.pollackpeacebuilding.compeacefulleadersacademy.com/club [http://peacefulleadersacademy.com/club] 📧 Email: support@pollackpeacebuilding.com 📱 LinkedIn: Jeremy Pollack [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremypollack1/]  📢 Share this episode with a colleague who needs support setting healthy boundaries! Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/about/jeremy-pollack/] from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/] More from Dr. Pollack: * Peaceful Leaders Academy [https://peacefulleadersacademy.com/] * Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1647399521] * FREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/ebook/] Connect with Dr. Pollack on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/pollackpeacebuilding/] | Twitter [https://twitter.com/pollackpeace] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3K6m_0bO31lD7JUc0th_vQ] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pollack-peacebuilding/]

🔎 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: 1. Recognize the Behavior  → Identify patterns of disrespect, exclusion, or psychological harm. 2. Document Everything  → Keep a detailed, dated log of incidents and impact. 3. Set Boundaries When Safe  → Use calm, assertive language to disrupt harmful patterns. 4. Report Internally  → Present your documentation to HR or leadership with a solutions-oriented mindset. 5. Take Care of Your Mental Health  → Prioritize your emotional well-being and access support when needed. 6. Explore Your Options  → If the culture won’t change, consider your long-term path elsewhere. 7. 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 [https://www.eeoc.gov/] * Workplace mental health resources: https://www.workplacementalhealth.org [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.com [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/] * LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeremypollack [https://linkedin.com/in/jeremypollack] Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/about/jeremy-pollack/] from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/] More from Dr. Pollack: * Peaceful Leaders Academy [https://peacefulleadersacademy.com/] * Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1647399521] * FREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/ebook/] Connect with Dr. Pollack on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/pollackpeacebuilding/] | Twitter [https://twitter.com/pollackpeace] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3K6m_0bO31lD7JUc0th_vQ] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pollack-peacebuilding/]

🔍 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 you can implement immediately. Real-world examples from business, healthcare, tech, and nonprofit leadership illustrate each point and help bring the ideas to life. 🧭 What You’ll Learn * Why asking for hard feedback early on builds psychological safety * How meaningful one-on-one conversations lead to deeper connection * Why leaders who ask for help earn more respect, not less * How consistent positive reinforcement boosts morale and performance * The damage emotional inconsistency causes—and how to regulate it * How transparency prevents toxic assumptions * Why not level-skipping is about trust, not red tape * How inviting people into decisions increases ownership and loyalty 📌 Key Takeaways 1. Trust is a bank account—make deposits before you need to withdraw. 2. Consistency beats charisma when it comes to emotional leadership. 3. Transparency builds credibility, even during tough decisions. 4. Your team are the experts—learn from them. 5. Small actions, done consistently, build the strongest trust. 🧠 Episode Quote > “Trust isn’t built in overnight—it is built over time in small, repeated, intentional actions.” — Dr. Jeremy Pollack ✅ Action Step Pick two of the trust-building strategies discussed and commit to practicing them this week. Write them down. Schedule them. Build the habit—and the trust. 📬 Stay Connected If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow leader. Subscribe for weekly insights on building peace, trust, and clarity in the workplace. Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/about/jeremy-pollack/] from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/] More from Dr. Pollack: * Peaceful Leaders Academy [https://peacefulleadersacademy.com/] * Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1647399521] * FREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems [https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/ebook/] Connect with Dr. Pollack on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/pollackpeacebuilding/] | Twitter [https://twitter.com/pollackpeace] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3K6m_0bO31lD7JUc0th_vQ] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pollack-peacebuilding/]