Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack

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 peacebuilding * How confidence prevents humility from turning into self-doubt * How curiosity transforms conflict into discovery * Ways to build trust even in high-tension situations * Four practical tools for applying humility in the workplace Key Tools from the Episode: 1. The Humility Pause – Before responding, ask, “What might I not be seeing here?” 2. The Confidence-Check Statement – “Here’s what I know, and here’s what I’m still trying to understand.” 3. The Curiosity Ladder – Ask deeper questions to uncover needs and solutions. 4. 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: https://www.pollackpeacebuilding.com/PollackPeacebuilding.com [http://pollackpeacebuilding.com/] 🌐 Dr. Pollack’s Courses: peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/ [https://peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/]📧 Email: support@pollackpeacebuilding.com 📱 LinkedIn: Jeremy Pollack  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremypollack1/]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 #Psychology 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, 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 confidence Key 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: https://www.pollackpeacebuilding.com/PollackPeacebuilding.com [http://pollackpeacebuilding.com/] 🌐 Dr. Pollack’s Courses: peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/ [https://peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/] 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. #donttakeitpersonally #resentment #Peacebuilding #Leadership #ConflictResolution #offensive #Psychology 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: 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 collaborative Key Takeaways: 1. Know what “great” looks like—and name it clearly. 2. Anticipate what’s fair and reasonable for both parties. 3. 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 & Results * Collaborative Phrasing for Productive Dialogue Perfect For: * Professionals preparing for performance reviews or salary talks * Team leads navigating new responsibilities or role shifts * Managers looking to coach others through negotiation * Anyone wanting to feel more grounded in high-stakes conversations Connect with Me 🌐 Website: https://www.pollackpeacebuilding.com/PollackPeacebuilding.com [http://pollackpeacebuilding.com/] 🌐 Dr. Pollack’s Courses: peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/ [https://peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/] 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. #Negotiation #Collaboration #Peacebuilding #Leadership #ConflictResolution #WorkNegotiation #Psychology 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 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 Courses: peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/ [https://peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/] 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/]