Conflict Skills

In this episode, Simon Goode analyzes a workplace conflict case study involving a senior strategist and a junior team member navigating issues of credit-stealing and strained collaboration. Simon Goode explores different frameworks for understanding and resolving value, data, and interest conflicts within teams, emphasizing the importance of clarifying expectations and rebuilding trust through spe...

In this episode, Simon Goode outlines the importance of setting clear ground rules for workplace mediation to foster productive and respectful conversations. He explains his collaborative approach to developing these guidelines, emphasizing rules such as no interrupting, no insults, and avoiding assumptions, while also discussing adjustments for more contentious cases. The episode provides practic...

In this episode, Simon Goode explores the topic of rumination, particularly in the context of conflict, and demonstrates his personal reflective practice to address intrusive thoughts. He walks through Terry O’Connell’s four restorative justice questions as a practical framework for understanding and moving past mistakes, using his own recent podcasting misstep as an example. The episode highlight...

On today's Conflict Skills Podcast, we explored the power of the "preemptive thank you wave"—a communication technology I developed to assume the best in people before conflict even starts. By showing empathy and gratitude ahead of time, you can transform interactions, unlock opportunities, and get better outcomes in business and life.  Whether you’re dealing with customers, teams,...

In this episode, Simon Goode explores strategies for managing pushy clients, particularly those with unrealistic expectations or disruptive behaviors. He introduces tools such as types of conflict, the Thomas-Kilmann conflict modes, and adjusting one’s perspective, using a real client situation as an example. By reflecting on emotional triggers and structured options, Simon  demonstrates how to re...

Welcome to the Conflict Skills Podcast, hosted by professional mediator Simon Goode. This episode marks a personal milestone, as Simon Goode reflects on his 45th birthday and the lessons learned through years of mediating conflict in both personal and professional settings. Drawing from hundreds of mediations—from business disputes to family disagreements—Simon Goode shares key insights about effe...

In this episode, Simon Goode explores practical options for addressing a neighbor’s noisy rooster, from direct conversations using frameworks like the sandwich method and "what ask check," to anonymous letters or simply choosing to ignore the issue. Simon discusses the pros and cons of each approach, including the emotional and relational impacts involved. Ultimately, he emphasizes the i...

In this episode, Simon Goode explores how individuals and leaders can effectively manage communication and conflict during periods of change, emphasizing the importance of self-regulation and support for others. He introduces frameworks like the circles of control, influence, and acceptance, and discusses practical strategies such as mindfulness and the GROW coaching model. Simon Goode also reflec...

In this episode, Simon Goode explores a workplace conflict scenario where a colleague repeatedly leaves unfinished work for others at the last minute, discussing various options for addressing the situation. Simon Goode breaks down the conflict using a five-type framework—data, relationship, structure, interest, and values—offering practical strategies for each. He emphasizes that there isn't...

Feeling tension at work and unsure how to navigate tricky team dynamics? This episode, we broke down a real-life conflict between colleagues—covering everything from feeling isolated and facing gossip to the anxiety of not knowing what others think. My advice? Start with self-care and emotional regulation, use calm, neutral language in tough conversations, and keep your expectations realistic. You...

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode explores the Big Five personality model and its practical application for understanding and managing workplace conflicts. He compares the Big Five to other popular personality frameworks like DISC and Myers-Briggs, highlighting why the Big Five offers more actionable insights. Simon Goode also shares strategies for identifying personality...

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode analyzes a workplace conflict between a software developer and a project manager working on upgrading a CRM for an important client. Simon breaks down the situation using five conflict categories—relationship, data, interests, values, and structure—offering practical frameworks and strategies for understanding and managing such clashes. T...

Would you like to feel more calm in the midst of conflict? In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, host Simon Goode talks with mindfulness specialist and former mediator Charlotte Tharup about how mindfulness can support conflict resolution both in personal and workplace settings. Charlotte shares practical techniques for self-regulation during difficult conversations, emphasizing the impo...

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode is joined by a fellow mediator mediator and former employment lawyer, Fiona Bigelli, to discuss the realities of workplace investigations and alternative approaches to resolving conflict. Fiona shares insights on the high-stakes, structured nature of investigations, the importance of procedural fairness, and why addressing issues early—wi...

In this episode, Simon Goode explores how to follow up assertively in conflict situations without crossing into aggression, using a real-life neighborhood dispute as a case study. He breaks down practical strategies for communicating boundaries, weighing escalation options, and balancing assertiveness with relationship-building. The episode emphasizes adapting your approach to fit your context and...

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode interviews Linda Kochanski, an experienced mediator and trainer, about her 33-year journey in mediation, her approach to training new mediators, and the importance of reflective practice and resilience in the field. They explore how mediation skills benefit professionals from diverse backgrounds, including HR and rehabilitation, and discu...

In this episode, Simon Goode explores practical strategies and mindset shifts for new graduates navigating workplace conflict, emphasizing the inevitability and complexity of such challenges. He breaks down five types of conflict—data, value, structure, relationship, and interest—and offers actionable advice on responding effectively while maintaining self-care and composure. Throughout, Simon nor...

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode is joined by Helen Jarvis to explore a real-life conflict between long-term friends that erupted over accusations of racism sparked by a controversial book.  They discuss the emotional complexity of values-based disputes, the challenge of balancing honesty with relationship preservation, and practical steps for navigating these tense situ...

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, host Simon Goode is joined by Helen Jarvis to discuss "accidental mediator" scenarios, where people find themselves stuck in the middle of others' conflicts. They explore three case studies—from a heated argument at a children's soccer match, to neighborhood disputes, to tensions among school canteen volunteers—offering practical...

In this episode, Simon Goode explores a workplace conflict scenario where a team member's promotion disrupts previous dynamics among close colleagues. He discusses Tuckman's stages of team development—forming, storming, norming, and performing—and offers practical conflict resolution strategies focused on open communication, de-escalation, and collaborative problem-solving. The episode p...

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode explores the topic of mending rifts, especially within families, sharing practical strategies for repairing strained relationships and the importance of empathetic listening and effective apologies. He emphasizes the value of small, positive steps to rebuild trust and illustrates how to interrupt negative cycles that keep conflicts alive....

Have you ever had a colleague that kept using the IM system just to write, "hi"? What do they want? Why can't they just be more clear? Why are they so annoying and should they be thrown into the sun?  In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode tackles a common yet surprisingly irritating workplace communication issue: colleagues who send instant messages that simply...

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode sits down with Neo, a law student curious about the realities and pathways into dispute resolution and mediation. Their conversation covers Simon Goode's unconventional journey into the field, practical insights into mediation processes, and the challenges of handling conflict in both professional and personal contexts. Together, the...

In this episode, Simon Goode shares five practical and accessible strategies for improving conflict management skills, including regulating your breathing, using statements instead of questions, finding ways to relax, writing to process conflict, and embracing a mindset of curiosity and openness. He explains each tip with relatable examples from both personal life and professional mediation, highl...

In this episode, Simon Goode interviews his friend and former colleague, Meng, about their experiences teaching English in South Korea. The discussion touches on navigating cultural differences, and adapting to Korean workplace hierarchy. They discuss the challenges of managing diverse teams, handling conflict between foreign teachers and local management, and the lasting impact of these experienc...