The HR Mediators

Podcast Pause - Message to Our Listeners

Episode: Podcast Pause - Message to Our Listeners Link: https://thehrmediators.captivate.fm/episode/podcast-pause-message-to-our-listeners What this episode’s about: This is a short message to our listeners. It's not an episode, but we wanted to reach out to you - please give it a listen. We are taking an extended hiatus from the podcast after episode 7. We invite you to subscribe, if you haven't already, so that you will receive any future updates from us. Find info here about Kendra's younger sister Kelli, and the celebration of life being planned for April 25 in the Spokane area: www.tinyurl.com/celebratekelli [www.tinyurl.com/celebratekelli] We encourage everyone to hug your loved ones tight, and to take care of your own well-being, especially when life brings challenging times. Thanks, Karen and Kendra The rest of the information below only applies to our normal podcast episodes. 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 Music: Farben by MagnusMoone Notes If this helped, please follow the show and send this episode to at least one coworker. Rate & review: A quick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on your podcast platform of choice helps others find us. 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.

Marginalized Melissa: Feeling Pushed Out by a New Coworker

Episode: Marginalized Melissa: Feeling Pushed Out by a New Coworker Link: https://thehrmediators.captivate.fm/episode/episode-7 What this episode’s about: Marginalized Melissa is feeling pushed out by a new coworker and worried that this tension could cost her a promotion. In this episode, we explore practical strategies for managing workplace conflict, setting boundaries, and protecting your career while staying professional and keeping your growth opportunities on track. Why listen: Learn practical strategies for addressing workplace tension, advocating for yourself, and keeping your career on track even when challenges arise. Key takeaways 1. Feeling “pushed out” is often a signal of unmet needs, unclear expectations, and mismatched work styles - not necessarily intentional exclusion. 2. When tension escalates, preparing for focused, respectful conversations with a coworker, manager, or HR can help shift the situation from emotional reactivity to problem-solving. 3. Examining your assumptions, stress responses, and mindset can reduce anxiety and open up new options for navigating conflict without sacrificing your well-being or career goals. Resources * Common Ground HR, LLC [https://commongroundhr.com/] - This is the website for Karen's business, a consultancy focusing on Workplace Conflict Management, Mediation, Positive Employee Relations. Featured work also includes HR Programs: Design/Build/Update/Evaluate. * Book. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success [https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322] - A top recommendation! * Designing Your Life Workbook - goes with the book Designing Your Life [https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Your-Life-Workbook-Framework/dp/1524761818] * Book: Designing Your Work Life [https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Your-Work-Life-Happiness/dp/0525655247] * Book: Designing Your Life [https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Your-Life-Well-Lived-Joyful/dp/1101875321] * Understanding Fight, Flight, Freeze, and the Feign Response | Psychology Today [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/arts-and-health/202106/understanding-fight-flight-freeze-and-the-feign-response] 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 Music: Farben by MagnusMoone Notes If this helped, please follow the show and send this episode to at least one coworker. Rate & review: A quick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on your podcast platform of choice helps others find us. 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.

Frustrated Fred: When “Anonymous” Feedback Shows Up in Your Review

Episode: Frustrated Fred: When “Anonymous” Feedback Shows Up in Your Review Link: https://thehrmediators.captivate.fm/episode/frustrated-fred-when-anonymous-feedback-shows-up-in-your-review What this episode’s about: Every week, Fred asks his dotted-line manager for feedback and hears, “You’re doing great.” Then he gets his mid-year review that has "anonymous" feedback that he’s almost certain came from that same manager, and it’s now in his permanent record. Why listen: If you’ve ever been blindsided by performance feedback, especially in a matrix reporting setup, this episode walks you through how to respond without burning relationships, how to get clearer input going forward, and what can be done to prevent “surprise feedback” from landing in formal documentation. Key takeaways 1. New feedback doesn't belong in formal reviews: Managers (direct or dotted-line) should never include new performance feedback in a review. Any feedback included in a review should have been shared directly at least once beforehand. 2. When you get "anonymous" feedback - don't confront...be strategic: If a provider of feedback insists on "anonymity", confronting them is likely to backfire; instead, work through your direct manager to clarify expectations and protect your trajectory. 3. To get better feedback, ask better questions and regulate your body language: Targeted feedback questions, calm delivery, and non-defensive posture make it more likely you’ll get honest, actionable feedback - especially with conflict-avoidant people. Resources * The Situation-Behavior-Impact-Feedback Framework [https://medium.com/pm101/the-situation-behavior-impact-feedback-framework-e20ce52c9357] * Dare to Lead Hub - Brené Brown [https://brenebrown.com/hubs/dare-to-lead/] * Making Yourself Indispensable [https://www.women-unlimited.com/wp-content/uploads/hbr_oct11_making_yourself_indispensable.pdf] * Want Honest Feedback From Employees? 16 Strategies To Try [https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/10/17/want-honest-feedback-from-employees-16-strategies-to-try/] 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 Music: Farben by MagnusMoone Notes If this helped, please follow the show and send this episode to at least one coworker. Rate & review: A quick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on your podcast platform of choice helps others find us. 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.

Stalled-Out Sam: Handling a Tough Manager and Unfair Reviews After a Promotion

Episode: Stalled-Out Sam: Handling a Tough Manager and Unfair Reviews After a Promotion Link: https://thehrmediators.captivate.fm/episode/stalled-out-sam-handling-a-tough-manager-and-unfair-reviews-after-a-promotion What this episode’s about: A high-achieving employee lands a big promotion, only to end up with a new manager whose dismissive feedback and low ratings threaten to overshadow her success and leave her questioning her future. We explore how to navigate performance reviews that feel unfair, along with the difficult dynamics and personal stress that often accompany them. Why listen: If you’ve ever felt undervalued by a manager, struggled with confusing or unhelpful feedback, or wondered whether to stay or leave the job, this episode offers both compassion and actionable strategies. We explore HR-insider perspectives, conflict-resolution tools, and mental-health considerations to help you chart a clear and confident path forward. Key takeaways 1. Clarity is power: Seek specific, actionable feedback using structured communication tools. Review and decide whether to stay or go. 2. You have options: HR, skip-level conversations, networking, and mental-health support can all be part of a healthy strategy during a difficult situation at work. 3. Your wellbeing matters: Daily stress signals a deeper issue. Taking care of your emotional health is essential, whether that means “blooming where you’re planted” or making a thoughtful exit. Resources * Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman [https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Intelligence-Matter-More-Than/dp/055338371X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FbkzuXGOcluhh5zuGNuyiTd3Em0xaXoQcCtbAdw9KqGzXe8Ev5yJOU2t7S1sQ-CfXDnVYfPinKmKkq26EoOuro8juR7DINyffqA0gt6RVuZqrF493RRCkwmAz2XgwombbQMuVM71NaQrifajj68cGHG4I_E7hFVBE-9sR3PODaL1GhXzDSjZObomO8J_OsENi6cH5irwY0hqGwaY7x4C1NByij8GX_FyrHJPcGqxp3M.sYlXdfBMM60k0DGXXaKPt4mpsKiBZu8kkDsRbT-6UZ4&qid=1765266696&sr=8-1] * TED talk by Tim Ferriss: Why you should define your fears instead of your goals [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J6jAC6XxAI] - Amazing (and short) TED talk from Tim Ferriss about how to analyze and navigate your fears! Highly recommend. * Don't Fall for the Sunk Cost Fallacy: Tips for Smarter Life Decisions [https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-sunk-cost-fallacy-7106851] * Nonviolent Communication - book by Marshall Rosenberg, PhD [https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Life-Changing-Relationships/dp/189200528X] In this show, we reference another The HR Mediators episode which covers performance reviews. That episode is Episode 6, Frustrated Fred, release date 12/23/25. 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 Music: Farben by MagnusMoone Notes If this helped, please follow the show and send this episode to at least one coworker. Rate & review: A quick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on your podcast platform of choice helps others find us. 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.

Overwhelmed Olivia: Managing the Teammate Who Wanted Your Job

Episode: Overwhelmed Olivia: Managing the Teammate Who Wanted Your Job Link: https://thehrmediators.captivate.fm/episode/overwhelmedolivia What this episode is about: Overwhelmed Olivia just landed her first manager role… and now has to lead the teammate who’s convinced they should’ve gotten the job. This episode explores how to navigate resentment, rebuild trust, and turn a simmering rival into a true partner. Why listen: When a promotion puts someone in charge of someone who competed for that same job, every interaction can feel like a challenge. In this episode, we walk alongside Overwhelmed Olivia as she faces eye rolls, subtle undermining, and “that should’ve been me” energy, and turn it into a step-by-step approach with guidance, boundaries, and repair strategies. It’s especially helpful for anyone newly promoted over peers or worried that one resentful direct report might quietly sway the whole team. Key takeaways 1. Regulate yourself first. Learn to notice your own stress responses and stories, build resilience habits, and manage burnout so you can stay grounded instead of letting anger, fear, or shame escalate the conflict and make things worse. 2. Recognize how powerful status is. Our sense of status—who feels “up” or “down” in the hierarchy—drives so many reactions at work, especially after promotions or reorgs; exploring ideas like those in The Status Game by Will Storr can help you see what’s really underneath people’s behavior. 3. Invest in brave, trust-building leadership. Resources like Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead offer practical tools for building trust, having hard conversations, and leading through messy, emotionally charged situations with more courage and clarity. Resources * The Status Game - Will Storr [https://a.co/d/fqGGmoo] * Dare to Lead - Brené Brown [https://brenebrown.com/podcast-show/dare-to-lead/] * Emotional Resilience: 9 Ways to Be Resilient in Tough Times | Psychology Today [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/201809/emotional-resilience-9-ways-be-resilient-in-tough-times] * Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle [https://www.burnoutbook.net/] - Book on burnout by Emily & Amelia Nagoski. 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 Music: Farben by MagnusMoone Notes If this helped, please follow the show and send this episode to at least one coworker. Rate & review: A quick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on your podcast platform of choice helps others find us. 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.