by Lorraine Segal | Mar 14, 2022
Can podcasts teach us how to have better difficult conversations? Recently, I was a guest on Dr. Darian Parker’s podcast, as part of pre-publicity for my forthcoming memoir, and it turned out to be a magically flowing and amazing conversation about conflict,...
by Lorraine Segal | Feb 13, 2022
The problem of perfection in conflict…How does perfection hurt conflict management at work? “The challenge is not to be perfect; it is to be whole.”—Jane Fonda I read this quote by Jane Fonda recently, and I was struck with how applicable the contrast of...
by Lorraine Segal | Jan 16, 2022
When someone or something hurts or angers you, is there a value in venting? Some social scientists and conflict management experts think venting is counterproductive, entrenching anger and resentment. However, in my own experience, venting can be valuable as long as...
by Lorraine Segal | Dec 19, 2021
Are you naturally an interviewer or a volunteer in difficult conversations? I read an article recently by McKinley Valentine about conversational styles for first dates or networking. As I was reading, it struck me that her analysis and comments about volunteers and...
by Lorraine Segal | Nov 15, 2021
Before I start teaching a course or workshop about conflict management, I always tell my students that I have a modest goal for the class: to change their hearts, minds, and behaviors. We all laugh, because of course that isn’t really a modest goal; in fact, it’s a...
by Lorraine Segal | Oct 19, 2021
Conflict management lessons from improv theater Can the rules of improv theater help us with conflict? Marianne Fleischer is a speechwriter-presentations skills executive coach and trainer who has a passion for improv theater. I met her in a leadership group and she...
by Lorraine Segal | Sep 21, 2021
Bringing five percent more compassion can really make a difference in conflicts. What would happen if you could bring just a little bit more compassion and love to conflicts and disagreements? I think you’d be amazed at the positive effect. I’ve often talked...
by Lorraine Segal | Aug 17, 2021
To solve a problem at work, ask; don’t assume. When you ask and don’t assume you already know the answers, you’re likely to find better solutions to workplace problems. A friend of mine who is an HR professional was facing an uncomfortable situation at work. She...
by Lorraine Segal | Jul 18, 2021
Acknowledging Mistakes at Work One of the big issues that creates conflict at work and interfers with harmonious relationships, is many people’s inability to acknowledge their own mistakes. I confess that perfectionism is one of my own shortcomings. I still sometimes...
by Lorraine Segal | Jun 14, 2021
Bystanders can stand up and stop workplace gossip. Gossip is a very common problem at work. People often feel it is a harmless way to connect, but talking about people behind their backs, particularly when it is malicious or discloses personal information workers...
