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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 normalizes the discomfort of conflict and highlights the importance of self-improvement as a core skill for professional growth ------------ Simon Goode is a professional mediator and the host of the Conflict Skills Podcast, where he provides free resources and practical tools for handling conflict. With a passion for helping others navigate disagreements, Simon launched his podcast to guide listeners—especially new graduates—on managing workplace challenges. Recognizing that many people misunderstand the nature of workplace conflict, Simon offers expert insights to dispel common misconceptions and empower individuals to thrive in their careers. Through his engaging podcast, Simon continues to support and educate anyone seeking to develop their conflict resolution skills. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 "Preparing for Conflict Effectively" 05:35 Outdated Stress Response System 07:09 "Navigating Discomfort with Change" 10:27 "Mastering Workplace Conflict Resolution" 15:14 "Seeking Clarity Through Dialogue" 17:03 Defining Respect and Conflict Resolution 21:30 Improving Meeting Structure 25:38 Navigating Work Relationships Wisely 28:58 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Calmly 33:06 Assertiveness, Compromise, and Clarity 35:27 "Managing Conflict and Assertiveness" Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]

Dealing with workplace conflict can drain your energy, challenge your confidence, and disrupt every aspect of your life. In this episode, I break down why our fight or flight response kicks in at work and offer a simple five-part self care protocol to help you regain control. By tuning into your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, perceptions, and physical state, you can develop smarter habits, build resilience, and show up as your best self—even in the toughest situations. Hit subscribe for more powerful strategies from the Conflict Skills Podcast. TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Self-Regulation for Conflict Resolution 04:43 "The Four Fs of Stress" 06:43 "Workplace Conflict and Stress Responses" 10:48 Redefining Self and Mind 13:10 Psychology's Flaws in Mental Health 16:57 Partial Control of Actions 22:31 Thoughts vs Feelings: Overanalyzed Divide 23:31 "Experiencing Workplace Conflict" 27:47 "Impact of Stress on Perception" 30:40 Improving Well-being and Conflict Resolution 34:36 "Conflict Skills Podcast Farewell" Simon Goode is a professional mediator and the host of the Conflict Skills Podcast, a show he created to offer free resources and practical tools for managing conflict. Drawing on his experience mediating workplace disputes—often between managers and team members or colleagues at odds—Simon is dedicated to helping people navigate challenging interactions. His podcast regularly explores topics such as self-care strategies during workplace conflict, and he is known for his calm, insightful approach to the defensive reactions that people often experience when facing criticism or accusations. Simon’s mission is to make conflict resolution knowledge accessible to all, empowering listeners to develop healthier ways to handle disputes both at work and beyond. Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]

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 situations, whether as a participant or an "accidental mediator."  Throughout their conversation, they emphasize the importance of slowing down, seeking to understand different perspectives, and using thoughtful, non-defensive communication to help repair and rebuild relationships. --------------------------- Helen's details: Helen Jarvis  ripplelearning.com.au  Ripple Learning facilitates customised, dynamic, safe, and highly effective learning experiences that support workplaces to build the skills needed to navigate conflict, manage stress and maximise performance.  We are a social enterprise, creating a ripple effect by directing 100% of profits to youth mental health charities. --------------------------- My details: Simon Goode  simongoode.com  [email protected] --------------------------- TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Conflict Skills & Resolution Insights 05:25 "Friendship Fallout Case Study" 08:27 "Bystander or Upstander?" 12:15 The Power of Choosing to Speak 15:25 "Choosing How to Engage" 19:41 Assumptions, Values, and Understanding 21:33 "Determining Goals and Relationships" 26:07 "Effective Conflict Resolution Approach" 28:27 "Listening to Understand Gemma" 30:48 Mediating While Maintaining Friendships 35:46 "Managing Stressful Conversations" 37:33 "Finding Voice and Impactful Language" 41:56 "Embracing Conflict with Self-Talk" 43:29 "Finding the Right Words" Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]

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 strategies for deciding when and how to engage. Throughout the conversation, both emphasize the importance of curiosity, safety, agency, and reflective decision-making in managing these challenging situations. To find out more about Helen and her PD workshops: https://ripplelearning.com.au TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Insights on Conflict and Communication 05:16 "Facilitating Agency Through Mediation" 09:14 Driving Reactive Behavior Explained 12:06 "Empathy First for Effective Dialogue" 13:15 "Evaluating Motivations and Goals" 18:52 "Clashing Values in Parenting" 22:30 "Engage or Understand Before Acting" 23:32 "Curious Questions and Listening" 28:59 "Accidental Mediator Mindset" 32:41 School Canteen Conflict Discussion 33:40 Creating Safety Through Responsibility 37:38 "Measuring and Ensuring Safety" 40:14 Eating Disorders and Food Safety 45:04 Volunteer Management and Conflict Resolution 47:34 "Planting Seeds of Kindness" Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]

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 provides actionable advice for navigating evolving relationships and expectations after internal changes within small teams. TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Team Dynamics and Role Changes 05:36 "Adapting to Management Style Changes" 08:44 Collaborative Communication for Conflict Resolution 14:27 Navigating Relationships and Leadership Goals 17:20 "Team Dynamics and Conflict Management" Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]

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. The episode offers actionable tools for navigating difficult dynamics and encourages listeners to develop new, healthier relationship patterns over time. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 "Family as Society's Foundation" 05:49 "Rethinking Conflict and Control" 07:43 "Navigating and Mending Conflict" 12:51 Resolving Conflicts with Calm Intent 14:25 "Fostering Empathy and Resolution" 17:48 Steps for Making Amends 21:05 "Short Lead Time for Positivity" 24:31 "Repairing Relationships and Conflict" Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]

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 say "hi"—and nothing else. Drawing from a Reddit case study and its lively comment section, Simon Goode explores why this behavior can be so frustrating, especially on asynchronous platforms like email or chat, where quick and purposeful exchanges are expected. TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Extreme Workplace Conflict Case Study 05:46 "Navigating Communication and Conflict" 08:19 Open Communication and Understanding 10:16 Boundaries and Clear Communication Tips 14:57 Clear Communication and Choices Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]

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, they explore the transferability of conflict skills, ethical dilemmas, and creative ways mediation can be adapted to better serve diverse clients. Timestamps:  00:00 "Conflict Skills Podcast: Special Guest" 08:51 Understanding Behavior and Perception 13:43 "Managing Emotions and Self-Regulation" 16:45 Managing Emotions and Responses 26:30 Managing Conflict in Mediation 29:09 Balanced Mediation Process Explained 32:49 Navigating Power Imbalance Mediation 42:02 Conflict Resolution Strategies Overview 45:17 Negotiation Strategies at Work 49:03 "Assertiveness in Mediation Explained" 57:02 Improving Client Scheduling Challenges 01:01:23 The Power of Respectful Listening 01:09:01 "Podcast Thanks and Feedback Request" Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]

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, highlighting their immediate benefits and long-term impact on relationships. The episode encourages listeners to experiment with these techniques and reflect on what works best for them in challenging situations. Timestamps: 00:00 "Calming Conflict Through Breathing" 06:42 Navigating Conflict Through Respect 08:05 Coaching Questions vs. Listening Statements 14:07 Mediation Concerns and Communication Strategies 16:10 Effective Mediator Safety Assessments 20:22 "Reset After Conflict" 24:30 Processing Emotions Through Movement 27:15 "Clarity Through Conflict Reflection" 30:03 "Navigating Communication Patterns" 32:30 "Writing to Resolve Conflict" 38:16 Conflict: Complexity Over Simplification 41:42 Navigating Uncertainty and Fog 43:16 Podcast Feedback & Suggestions Welcome Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]

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 experiences on their personal and professional lives. The conversation is filled with reflections on leadership, cross-cultural communication, and fond memories of building community abroad. TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Navigating Cross-Cultural Work Challenges 03:54 Cultural Challenges and Perspectives 08:00 Building Trust Across Language Barriers 10:52 First Job Challenges 15:49 "Becoming a Teacher in Busan" 16:55 Balancing Leadership and Relationships 20:18 Teacher Management Tension Abroad 25:10 Teaching Across Cultural Boundaries 26:36 Teaching Older and Younger Students 31:58 "Guidance and Support at Work" 34:10 Workplace as a Classroom 37:19 Community Bonds in Busan Memories Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, host Simon Goode explores the essential skillset for anyone who finds themselves in the role of an "accidental mediator," such as managers or HR professionals dealing with workplace conflict. He breaks down six key areas: self-regulation, de-escalation, empathetic listening, coaching (using the GROW model), assertiveness and boundaries, and creating the conditions for success in conflict resolution. Throughout the episode, Simon shares practical frameworks and tips to help listeners navigate these situations more effectively and encourages feedback on this lecture-style format versus case-study discussions. TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 "Accidental Mediator Conflict Tools" 06:59 "Exploring Self and Regulation" 11:59 Attention Shapes Mind and Experience 17:06 Navigating Conflict and De-escalation 25:20 De-escalation Through Empathy & Clarity 29:31 Open vs. Closed Questions Explained 35:19 "Empathy and Mediation Strategies" 38:58 Clarity Through Questions in Conflict 46:59 "Positive Confrontation Over Emotions" 49:57 Mediation vs. Performance Management Consequences 56:03 Setting Conditions for Collaboration 59:47 "Accidental Mediator's Key Steps" Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, host Simon Goode explores the challenges millennials face when managing Gen Z staff, using a real-life case study to illustrate common issues like communication barriers, differing work norms, and heightened sensitivity to feedback. Simon shares practical conflict resolution strategies, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation, flexible expectations, and understanding generational "cultural differences." He encourages managers to foster collaboration by balancing assertiveness with empathy, and adapting approaches to build trust and resilience in younger teams. TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Engaging Across Generational Teams 07:01 "Power of Diverse Perspectives" 08:28 Navigating Norms and Value Conflicts 12:56 Managing Stress Through Coaching 16:02 Building Trust Through Certainty 19:54 Performance Improvement Strategies 24:46 "Understanding and Engaging Gen Z" 27:34 Building Trust Through Better Listening 32:08 "Structured Meetings for Collaboration" 36:05 Listening Styles and Management Balance 39:55 "Growth Through Challenges" 41:23 Conflict Resolution Resources & Training Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]

In this episode, host Simon Goode discusses a real-life workplace scenario where someone was accused of racism after referring to a colleague by their skin color during a conversation. He breaks down the layers of workplace conflict, highlighting the roles of value and relationship conflicts, and offers practical advice for self-care and preparation when facing similar accusations. Simon also shares strategies for navigating difficult conversations and maintaining composure in stressful situations like HR meetings. TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Navigating Racial Descriptor Sensitivity 03:49 Reset After Stressful Interactions 08:34 Understanding Racism's Contextual Threshold 11:38 Perception and Intent in Conflict 16:26 Navigating Relationship Conflicts 20:15 Clarifying Racism: Seeking Definitions 21:54 Questioning Racial Understanding and Response 26:27 "Structure Over Self-Control for Stress" Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, host Simon Goode explores the ways people can unintentionally invite unnecessary conflict into their lives, drawing on both personal experiences and the story of a neighbor’s altercation. Simon outlines three main strategies to avoid such conflicts: learning to pause and prioritize, recognizing it's not your job to correct others, and not taking others’ actions too personally. He also shares practical mindfulness techniques and encourages reflection to help listeners break the cycle of reactive conflict. TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Neighbor's Frequent Conflicts 06:31 Navigating Conflict and Prioritization 08:34 "Breath Control to Manage Conflict" 11:28 Choosing Silence Over Conflict 15:47 Managing Automatic Reactions Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]

In this episode, host Simon Goode introduces the concept of "micro-de-escalation," focusing on subtle gestures and communication techniques to reduce perceived threat and lower the energy in conflict situations. He discusses practical approaches such as using positive body language, appropriate tone of voice, and giving others a sense of autonomy and fairness. The episode offers actionable tips for everyday interactions, helping listeners create more positive and constructive exchanges, even in challenging moments. TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Nonverbal Calmness and Reassurance 04:45 "Positive Impact Through Micro De-escalation" 07:14 Cultural Nuances in Communication 13:13 The Power of a Simple Wave 14:37 Calming Tone Importance 19:58 "Enhancing Interaction with Mutual Respect" 23:29 Communicating Delays with Certainty 25:13 Empowering Meeting Autonomy 28:21 Effective De-Escalation Techniques 35:03 Empowering Cafe Interaction Tips 38:18 Micro De-escalation Techniques 39:41 "Leave a Review, Thank You" Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail Support the show Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect. website: simongoode.com email: [email protected]