Conflict Skills

In this episode, Simon Goode explores practical de-escalation skills for managing conflict and strong emotions in both professional and everyday situations. He emphasizes techniques like using a calm tone, mindful body language, and strategies to reinforce status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, and fairness. Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, Simon Goode highlights the importance of self-regulation and understanding in defusing tense conversations.

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 Using de-escalation in leadership

04:15 Introducing Shelley the Dog

09:52 Reflecting on de-escalation strategies

12:53 Managing Uncertainty and De-Escalation

13:50 How to calm difficult conversations

17:46 Using calming body language

24:25 Managing conflict with communication skills

27:23 Encouraging collaboration and fairness

30:43 Handling customer complaints professionally

33:39 Managing tasks until next meeting

35:28 Balancing autonomy and input

41:23 Discussing de-escalation strategies

42:19 Conflict resolution resources

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website: simongoode.com 
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In this episode, Simon Goode reflects on common mistakes husbands make in relationship conflicts, such as poor listening, not staying calm, misidentifying conflict types, adopting the wrong conflict approach, and failing to repair relationships after disagreements. He shares practical frameworks like the EAR (Explore, Acknowledge, Respond) listening strategy and discusses techniques for self-regulation, apology, and moving forward after conflict. The episode encourages self-reflection and adaptability in conflict resolution to foster healthier relationships.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Reflecting on relationship mistakes

03:08 Trying new note-taking methods

07:53 Types of questions in communication

13:35 Managing stress in conversations

17:35 Understanding conflict and calmness

19:48 Understanding conflict and self-regulation

25:28 Mindfulness and staying present

27:25 Approaching conflict differently

31:21 Discussing Parenting and Communication

33:24 Discussing relationship communication strategies

36:10 Common mistakes in conflict resolution

40:43 Five conflict resolution strategies

45:10 Resolving conflict with apologies

47:05 Types of effective apologies

49:18 Improving apologies and moving forward

54:00 Navigating relationship conflicts

58:00 Reflecting on relationship mindset

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website: simongoode.com 
email: [email protected]

In this episode, Simon Goode analyzes a workplace conflict case study involving a cross-department dispute over an aggressive project deadline in a manufacturing company. He explores the roles of interests, structure, relationship dynamics, and different conflict modes—including competing, compromising, and collaborating—in resolving the issues between engineering and production teams. Simon Goode also highlights practical negotiation concepts like BATNA and the importance of clear, future-focused communication to rebuild trust and improve cooperation.

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 Engineering lead responsibilities

03:51 Debating Project Deadlines and Priorities

09:43 Exploring Jordan's negotiation options

13:39 Clarifying expectations and communication

14:42 Resolving workplace conflicts

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website: simongoode.com 
email: [email protected]

In this episode, Simon Goode explores a real-life case study of a client requesting a discount for mediation services, analyzing the situation using conflict resolution frameworks. He breaks down the negotiation through the five types of conflict—value, data, interest, structure, and relationship—and discusses strategies like collaboration, compromise, and assertiveness. Simon Goode emphasizes the importance of considering one's alternatives (BATNA) and maintaining clear boundaries when responding to discount requests.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Discussing pricing and client negotiations

04:19 Managing client misunderstandings

09:56 Discussing an interest conflict

13:33 Improving client communication strategies

15:21 External factors affecting responses

19:45 Negotiating client compromises

21:10 Conflict resolution strategies

25:26 Discussing negotiation strategies

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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 analyzes a workplace conflict case study involving a dispute over strict in-office attendance requirements versus requests for flexible remote work. He breaks down the dynamics between team lead Marcus and high-performing analyst Priya, exploring structural, value, and interest-based sources of conflict and suggesting approaches for resolution. The episode also highlights practical conflict modes such as avoidance, accommodation, compromise, competition, and collaboration to manage similar workplace issues.

TIMESTAMPS: 
00:00 Addressing workplace conflict scenarios

03:59 Discussing attendance and value conflicts

10:24 Discussing flexibility in negotiations

12:28 Debate on company expectations

16:08 Outcomes of Workplace Conflict

18:58 Speculating on Priya's situation

22:37 Checking in on relationship dynamics

26:19 Resolving workplace role conflicts

27:53 Work from home conflicts advice

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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 analyzes a workplace conflict case study involving a senior strategist and a junior team member navigating issues of credit-stealing and strained collaboration. Simon Goode explores different frameworks for understanding and resolving value, data, and interest conflicts within teams, emphasizing the importance of clarifying expectations and rebuilding trust through specific, actionable plans. The episode also discusses strategies for assertiveness, empathetic listening, and when to consider escalating issues or bringing in external mediation.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Navigating workplace hierarchy and roles

04:03 Clarifying roles and expectations

06:47 Discussing presentation and collaboration issues

09:51 Conflict resolution strategies

13:18 Rethinking work-life balance

16:40 Collaborative conflict resolution strategies

22:46 Discussing conflict resolution strategies

24:36 Discussing management communication strategies

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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 outlines the importance of setting clear ground rules for workplace mediation to foster productive and respectful conversations. He explains his collaborative approach to developing these guidelines, emphasizing rules such as no interrupting, no insults, and avoiding assumptions, while also discussing adjustments for more contentious cases. The episode provides practical advice for mediators, HR professionals, and managers on structuring discussions and managing challenging dynamics in workplace conflicts.



00:00 Setting Ground Rules for Meetings

03:50 Setting ground rules for discussions

09:14 Dealing with contentious cases

13:23 Managing Meeting Conflicts

16:08 Discussing mediation agenda setup

17:53 Mediation ground rules discussion

21:20 Audience feedback request

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website: simongoode.com 
email: [email protected]

In this episode, Simon Goode explores the topic of rumination, particularly in the context of conflict, and demonstrates his personal reflective practice to address intrusive thoughts. He walks through Terry O’Connell’s four restorative justice questions as a practical framework for understanding and moving past mistakes, using his own recent podcasting misstep as an example. The episode highlights the importance of self-reflection, understanding cognitive patterns in conflict, and applying structured techniques to reduce rumination and promote personal growth.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Rumination on workplace conflicts

04:38 Restorative justice program discussion

09:48 Dealing with podcast anxiety

12:46 Understanding Workplace Conflict Dynamics

14:35 Admitting to a podcast mistake

18:49 Reflecting on justifying my actions

23:31 Editing and self-doubt in podcasting

27:06 Reflecting on mental health perspectives

28:31 Reflecting on self-awareness and judgment

33:49 Reflecting on past actions

35:15 Addressing Past Mistakes

Reflective practice is one of the most effective tools for dealing with rumination—especially when it stems from conflict situations at work. In the latest episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, I unpack my own recent experience with rumination after an honest mistake on the podcast, and demonstrate the four-question reflective technique I rely on to break the negative thought cycle.

Here are three key takeaways that might help you when you find yourself stuck in rumination:

• Structure Your Reflection: Use a simple, four-question framework (borrowed from restorative justice) to guide your self-inquiry:
  1. What happened?
  2. What were you thinking at the time?
  3. What have you been thinking about since?
  4. What needs to happen to make it right?
• Focus on Objectivity and Nuance: When you revisit the “what happened” question, keep coming back to the objective facts, resisting the urge to justify or catastrophize. This helps introduce nuance and reduce the black-and-white thinking often tied to rumination.
• Plan Concrete Actions for Resolution: Don’t just reflect—ask yourself what practical steps are needed to make it right, even if you can’t change the past. Sometimes an apology, improved process, or small act of restitution can help you restore your own peace of mind.

We all react imperfectly under stress, but having a reflective routine helps us move forward with more grace and responsibility.

If you’re interested in developing your own conflict skills or want additional resources on handling workplace challenges, check out the latest episode or get in touch!

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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]

On today's Conflict Skills Podcast, we explored the power of the "preemptive thank you wave"—a communication technology I developed to assume the best in people before conflict even starts. By showing empathy and gratitude ahead of time, you can transform interactions, unlock opportunities, and get better outcomes in business and life. 

Whether you’re dealing with customers, teams, or strangers, try preemptive empathy. It’s a mindset shift that opens doors you didn’t even know existed. 

Want more tools for effective conflict resolution? Hit subscribe and join us next time 😊.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Risky street crossing stories

03:19 Teenage pranks and consequences

08:32 Mindset shift to preemptive empathy

11:14 Impact of mindset on brain activity

13:32 Trying to cancel a hotel booking

17:22 Impact of Modern Communication Tech

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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 strategies for managing pushy clients, particularly those with unrealistic expectations or disruptive behaviors. He introduces tools such as types of conflict, the Thomas-Kilmann conflict modes, and adjusting one’s perspective, using a real client situation as an example. By reflecting on emotional triggers and structured options, Simon  demonstrates how to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.


TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Benefits of a structured process

04:43 Understanding relationship conflict with clients

07:29 Reflecting on email communications

13:39 Addressing workshop coordination issues

15:28 Pricing strategy and client communication

19:24 Handling client payment issues

24:15 Discussing collaboration and promotion options

27:40 Reflecting and planning for the future

30:04 Understanding Thoughts and Feelings

33:39 Managing stress through self-care

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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]