Conflict Skills

In this episode, Simon Goode explores practical de-escalation skills for managing conflict and strong emotions in both professional and everyday situations. He emphasizes techniques like using a calm tone, mindful body language, and strategies to reinforce status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, and fairness. Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, Simon Goode highlights the importance of self-regulation and understandi...

In this episode, Simon Goode reflects on common mistakes husbands make in relationship conflicts, such as poor listening, not staying calm, misidentifying conflict types, adopting the wrong conflict approach, and failing to repair relationships after disagreements. He shares practical frameworks like the EAR (Explore, Acknowledge, Respond) listening strategy and discusses techniques for self-regulation, apology, and moving forward ...

In this episode, Simon Goode analyzes a workplace conflict case study involving a cross-department dispute over an aggressive project deadline in a manufacturing company. He explores the roles of interests, structure, relationship dynamics, and different conflict modes—including competing, compromising, and collaborating—in resolving the issues between engineering and production teams. Simon Goode also highlights practi...

In this episode, Simon Goode explores a real-life case study of a client requesting a discount for mediation services, analyzing the situation using conflict resolution frameworks. He breaks down the negotiation through the five types of conflict—value, data, interest, structure, and relationship—and discusses strategies like collaboration, compromise, and assertiveness. Simon Goode emphasizes the importance of consider...

In this episode, Simon Goode analyzes a workplace conflict case study involving a dispute over strict in-office attendance requirements versus requests for flexible remote work. He breaks down the dynamics between team lead Marcus and high-performing analyst Priya, exploring structural, value, and interest-based sources of conflict and suggesting approaches for resolution. The episode also highlights practical conflict modes such a...

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 specific, actionable plans. The episod...

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 practical advice for mediators, HR profess...

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 highlights the importance of sel...

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, or strangers, try preemptive empat...

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 respond thoughtfully rathe...

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 effective listening, self-r...

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 importance of thoughtful communication a...

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 reflects on the nuances of acceptance, ad...

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 a single right approach, an...

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 can't control others, but yo...

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 differences, using structure to mi...

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. The episode is packed wi...

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 importance of body awareness and kind c...

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—with coaching, facilitated work...