Leading with Empathy: Active Listening Techniques for Managers and Professionals

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast we are unearthing the power of listening and empathy in your organization. I provide a practical framework for helping staff and collegues to feel heard in situations where you want to not only understand what they are saying, but also help them to feel supported. Hint: it's not saying, "I understand"..... and it's certainly not saying "I understand, but........ ".

Welcome to the Conflict Skills Podcast! In today's episode, we dive deep into the common workplace issue of managing staff members who don't listen. Host Simon Goode takes us through practical steps for communication and leadership, sharing insights on understanding different types of conflicts, strategies for influencing behavior, and implementing tools to empower staff members. If you've ever struggled with unresponsive team members, then this episode is a must-listen. Simon's expertise will equip you with valuable skills to navigate challenging workplace dynamics. So, sit back, listen in, and get ready to enhance your conflict management toolbox!

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, host Simon Goode addresses the increasingly common challenge of dealing with aggressive clients, attributing the uptick to various external stressors. He provides practical advice on self-regulation, using structure, setting boundaries, and assertiveness when managing aggressive client interactions, and emphasizes the importance of validating the underlying needs of the client and practicing self-care to mitigate the impact of these challenging interactions.

In today's episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, professional mediator Simon Goode addresses a common workplace challenge: dealing with rude coworkers. Simon shares specific steps to help listeners navigate and resolve conflicts with colleagues who exhibit negative behaviors. Simon provides strategies for addressing the issue with gradually escalating levels of assertiveness, ultimately aiming for a positive resolution. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical techniques for managing workplace conflicts effectively.

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, host Simon Goode discusses 3 underrated conflict skills that are effective in various situations. He emphasizes the importance of not taking things personally, remaining composed in the face of adversity, and the unexpected skill of giving 51%. Simon provides practical insights and strategies for improving these abilities, highlighting their impact on relationships and outcomes in conflict situations. Listeners are encouraged to focus on the positive, practice self-awareness, and approach conflict with a strategic, solution-oriented mindset.

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, host Simon Goode shares valuable insights and practical tips for navigating annoying family interactions during the holiday season. He emphasizes the importance of managing stress, setting boundaries, and focusing on meaningful experiences while dealing with difficult family members. Through strategies for self-regulation, boundary-setting, and goal-oriented interaction, Simon provides listeners with tools to handle challenging family dynamics with grace and resilience.

On this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, host Simon Goode, a self-proclaimed introvert, explores the challenges introverts face when dealing with conflict. He offers valuable strategies such as the importance of preparation, tools for managing difficult conversations, and the five conflict modes—avoid, accommodate, compromise, compete, and collaborate—that introverts can employ. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their conflict resolution approaches and find ways to navigate conflict more effectively.

In this episode, host Simon Goode discusses managing conflict during organizational change, specifically when the change is outside of people's control. He applies the stages of grief model by Elizabeth Kubler Ross to analyze staff reactions to change, providing examples of shock, denial, frustration, and depression, and offering strategies to support staff at each stage. Simon also emphasizes the importance of clear and frequent communication, empathetic listening, and problem-solving in effectively managing conflict during organizational change.

In Episode 32 of the Conflict Skills Podcast, we explore the complex issue of parent and grandparent conflict, specifically focusing on when grandparents have limited contact with grandchildren. A number of strategies for managing these conflicts are provided, with an emphasis on the importance of self-care and self-regulation before looking at practical communication techniques. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the challenging dynamics between parents and grandparents.

In this episode, we'll be exploring a step-by-step structure for these difficult conversations, including how to approach the other person's perspective, conveying understanding, and problem-solving collaboratively. This episode is part of a series on repairing friendships, so if you've missed the previous episodes, be sure to check them out for valuable insights.