Many conflicts aren't just about the topic at hand—they're about our very sense of self.

Fear creates decision-making tunnel vision. We begin to see only binary choices - stay or go, fight or flee, your way or my way, all or nothing. I've learned to listen for these indicators of fear-based thinking: when people present their situation as having only two options. "We either cut staff or go under." "We must either match our competitor's prices or lose our customers." "I have to either accept this proposal or walk away." “The person is a problem, so I must fire t

When government cuts create serious challenges for vulnerable populations, they open space for civic action and community-led solutions.

The "most magical place on earth" is also a place ripe for conflict and - the perfect opportunity to learn conflict management skills.

It’s not hard to see all people as people, if you look them in the eyes. It’s even less hard if you take the time to hear their story.

Effective, respectful communication, particularly when it isn’t easy, requires a toolbox full of skills most of us haven’t learned.

For many of us, the holiday season brings a complex mix of emotions that can be challenging to navigate. Here's what to remember.

In professional environments, conflict and anxiety often go hand-in-hand, creating a complex dynamic that affects both our performance and our ability to find effective solutions. When conflict arises, it naturally triggers feelings of anxiety as we worry about negative outcomes, potential damage to professional relationships, or rejection of ourselves and our ideas. This anxiety, in turn, can escalate the original conflict, creating a cycle where negative emotions and behav

How we approach and manage conflict can significantly impact patient care, team morale, and organizational productivity.

The art of principled opposition isn't just about being right—it's about being effective. Here's how to navigate this delicate terrain while

The decision to engage in political discussions at work is a personal one, with potential far-reaching consequences for your professional relationships and work environment. Before initiating or participating in such conversations, it's a good idea to engage in honest self-reflection about your motives and expectations.

Conflict is a natural and unavoidable part of any organization. Diverse personalities, differing perspectives, and competing priorities often collide in the workplace. From boardrooms to break rooms, disagreements and tensions can arise at any level of a company. However, it's crucial to understand that conflict itself is not inherently negative. In fact, when managed effectively, conflict can be a powerful catalyst for positive change.

Discover the 8 best ways to improve workplace communications.

In conflict, we want to separate the person from the problem. After all, you can't solve people, but you can solve problems. Identify the behaviors you are finding difficult. The behaviors are the problem, not the person.

After 20 years in healthcare and a decade in conflict resolution, I've noticed something critical: we're often not speaking the same language at all. Each is speaking a different "language" shaped by their role, training, and what keeps them up at night.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the power of truly listening and empathizing with another's perspective—especially in high-stress environments like healthcare. But here’s the thing: empathy isn’t just 'nice to have'; it’s essential for meaningful conflict resolution. Drawing from years of experience in mediating healthcare disputes, I’ve found that when parties feel genuinely understood, defenses lower and pathways to resolution become clear. It transforms ten

We say that conflict is normal. Anger is normal too, and it's often the byproduct of unresolved conflict. But here's what most people miss: anger itself isn't the problem. It's a signal that something important needs attention. I’ve seen a lot of people have a lot of shame around anger. While it is not OK to hurt ourselves or others when angry, anger is a normal emotion with information to share.