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...
by Lorraine Segal | May 18, 2021
The power of story to shift conflict. The universe is made of stories, not of atoms. — Muriel Rukeyser Understanding your story about a conflict, and how to shift and open up that story, is a powerful force for good in the conflict management work I do with...
by Lorraine Segal | Apr 12, 2021
Respect, not abuse. All employees and leaders need to feel that their skills and they themselves as people are respected and valued. Managers and C suite executives must model respect for everyone, and treating people with respect must be part of the organizational...
by Lorraine Segal | Mar 16, 2021
Like letting go of grudges, I believe gratitude is a powerful tool to help us manage and resolve conflict. My email interview on this topic with questions by Parveen Panwar went live on Authority Magazine. Here are some excerpts from that interview. How do you define...
by Lorraine Segal | Feb 16, 2021
Shining a light on your shadow spots can help you with conflict. Shadow spot—an area where you cannot see clearly; a tendency to ignore something especially because it is difficult or unpleasant. Almost all humans have shadow spots in thinking and feeling, just as...
