Communication Psychology and HR – with Gerhard Ohrband

Communication mistakes are far more common than we realize — and most ofthem are unintentional. When we respond with openness instead of punishment, weincrease psychological safety and strengthen teamwork. Here are some practicalideas for handling your own communication errors more effectively. #communication #leadership #psychology #personaldevelopment#workplaceculture #business #teams

We’re surrounded by AI tools that make communication feel safer and easier. But what happens to our real-life relationships when we remove allinterpersonal risk? Can fluency replace the ability to truly listen, feel, andunderstand another human being? #CommunicationPsychology #InterpersonalSkills #AIandHumanity#DigitalCommunication #RealConversations #LanguageLearning #RelationshipSkills#HumanConn...

Have you ever noticed how quickly weput people into boxes? “He’s an introvert.” “She’s a born leader.” It feels efficient — but what do we lose when we start believing our ownlabels? In business, labelling can feel likeclarity, but it often distorts reality. Because behind every “type” is a person — and behind every person, a story thatdoesn’t fit neatly into categories. #Leadership #HR #Communica...

Discover the top mistakes made byjob interviewers and how to avoid them to ensure a fair and effective hiringprocess. Learn why structured interviews are a game-changer and how biases likethe beauty bias can affect your decisions. Tune in to find out how you canimprove your recruitment process and attract the best talent. #JobInterviews #HiringMistakes #StructuredInterviews #RecruitmentTips #HR#Bi...

Is being authentic always the right approach? In the corporate world, where do we draw the line between authenticity and playing a role? Check out the discussion on how we balance our inner complexity and outer behavior. #Authenticity #CorporateCulture #CommunicationSkills #ProfessionalGrowth #InnerComplexity #PersonalValues #TrustBuilding

Praise can be a powerful tool formotivation, but did you know it can also have unintended consequences? Whetherit's making someone more vulnerable to future challenges or even backfiring ina conversation, the way we offer praise matters. In both personal andprofessional settings, it's essential to consider how and why we give feedback. #CommunicationPsychology #Feedback#Motivation #Leaders...

Conflict doesn’t always look the way we expect it. Just because there’s no visible tension, doesn’t mean everything is fine. In my latest episode, I explore how unspoken misunderstandings and hidden conflicts can silently affect your team’s engagement, collaboration, and retention. It’s time to rethink what “conflict” really means in the workplace. #ConflictManagement #HR #TeamDynamics #EmployeeEn...

Ever had second thoughts after a tough conversation? That nagging “I should have said…” feeling usually isn’t about wit orluck—it’s about preparation. Psychologist Friedemann Schulz von Thun shows howour Inner Team can make or break communication. Which team members show up when youspeak—and which ones are missing? 👉 Discover how to train your Inner Team and walk into yournext conversation prepar...

Ever notice a lively conversation inside your own mind—each voice nudging you in a different direction? Mastering these inner voices is the first step to clearer, more authentic communication with the world. #InnerDialogue #SelfAwareness #CommunicationPsychology #InnerTeam #LeadershipFromWithinReferences López-Jiménez, A. M., &Rodríguez-Testal, J. F. (2016). Relationship between inner dialog a...

Public speaking is rehearsed, scripted, and predictable. But what about theconversations we can’t plan—the ones that take unexpected turns, stir emotions,or shift roles on the spot? In this episode of The Unscripted Challenge , we explore why real-life conversationsoften feel harder than stepping onto a stage—and how you can navigate them withmore confidence. References Afifi, W. A., & Weiner,...

Every team has a “difficult person”—the colleague who always says no, challenges every idea, or seems impossibly negative. But what if that behavior actually reflects a hidden virtue? In this episode, we explore how recognizing the good in the bad can transform difficult conversations and bring more balance to your team. References Baege, M. (2018). Bowen family systems theory . Vermont Center for...

We often hear that growth begins only outside our comfort zone. But the truth is more nuanced: sustainable progress happens in the learning zone, not when we’re thrown into panic. In this episode, I’ll share why keeping some areas of stability is vital if we want to grow boldly in others. #ComfortZone #LearningZone #PersonalGrowth #CommunicationSkills#PsychologicalSafety #Coaching #LeadershipDevel...

"Conflict isn’t always destructive—in fact, when harnessed correctly, it can sharpen ideas, drive clarity, and ignite innovation. Whether through rigorous debate or structured task-related tension, the right kind of conflict—with psychological safety and respectful handling—can transform discord into discovery." #ConflictProductivity #InnovationThroughDebate #PsychologicalSafety #GrowthM...

Have you ever replayed aconversation and wished you could hit “undo”? We all have moments where wordsdon’t land as we hoped — but what if those regrets could become your greatestteachers? This episode dives into five practical strategies to turncommunication misfires into powerful growth opportunities. Learn how shiftingyour mindset and analyzing your patterns can transform regret into resilience....

What’s more terrifying than spidersor heights? For many professionals, it’s public speaking. In the latest episode of myCommunication Psychology podcast, we tackle the roots of stage fright and explore what actually works to overcome it — according to science. 🚩 Why do we feel speech anxiety, even when we’re prepared? 🧠 What role does temperament play? 🛠️ And how can you train your mind and body...

In this episode of CommunicationPsychology , we explore how to becomemore flexible in your conversations — not just talking, but trulyadapting and connecting across contexts. Drawing from cutting-edge research, we examinepractical strategies like: ·       Building cognitiveflexibility to better tune into conversational cues (Chesebro &Martin, 2003; Richter et al., 2020) ·       Developing a co...

How do you react when you make acommunication mistake — defensiveness, shame… or curiosity? In this episode of my podcast on CommunicationPsychology , I explore how we can adopt an error management attitude when we speak — especially when stakes are high. Drawing on the research of MichaelFrese and others, we discuss how mistakes can become stepping stones for learning,adaptability, and authentic...

We all say communication iskey — but when it comes to receiving feedback on our own skills, many of usfreeze or flee. Why? In this episode of the CommunicationPsychology podcast, I explore the surprising psychological reasons behindour resistance to improving our communication. From fear of being “found out”to unconscious identity threats, we dig into why even high-performingprofessionals avoid th...

Most people think self-confidence means always being in control, nevershowing weakness, always looking sharp. But psychology says otherwise. In this episode, I explore two radicallydifferent forms of self-confidence: ·        Type 1: The polished, flawless image we project. ·        Type 2: The quiet strength to admit mistakes, ask questions, and show our human side. Which one builds better relati...

Tired of random language tips thatdon’t work? In this episode, we explore what science really says abouteffective language learning. From input and interaction to noticing andmemory—learn how to tailor your approach based on proven psychological and linguistictheories. Whether you're a beginner oradvanced learner, this episode is packed with insights to help you learnsmarter. Listen now and up...

Are we thinking more freely—or justmore alike? In this episode, I explore how remotework , virtual meetings , and even AI tools may quietly shapethe way we think and who we engage with. As our communication becomes moredigital and more filtered, are we losing the casual, diverse encounters thatonce challenged our ideas and expanded our minds? Backed by research from NatureHuman Behaviour , PNAS ,...

Spoiler: It is not about creating “safe spaces” or about becoming more polite.

How well are we equipped to navigate through conflict and workwith “difficult” people? What are some first steps you can do?

We have an excellent culture in our company; we almost never have conflicts. Or: we know who our best communicators are – by their results. So, why invest time to measure that which we already know?

Carol Dweck’s theory of a growth vs. a fixed mindset has already become a part of pop psychology. What are the implications (and limits) for developing your communication skills?