Episode Details

Why do workplace conflicts escalate so quickly, even when no one intends harm?

In this video, Dr. Jeremy Pollack explains why workplace conflicts escalate and how to stop it by unpacking two powerful psychological drivers: cognitive bias and emotional reactivity. What starts as a simple misunderstanding can quickly spiral when our brains assign meaning, trigger emotion, and react before we’ve fully understood the situation.

You’ll learn:
 • Why conflict escalation is driven more by interpretation than intention
 • The most common cognitive biases that distort workplace interactions
 • How emotional reactivity fuels defensiveness and miscommunication
 • Practical de-escalation strategies to interrupt conflict before it damages trust and productivity

At Pollack Peacebuilding Systems, we help leaders and organizations move beyond conflict avoidance toward true conflict transformation,building healthier communication, stronger relationships, and more resilient teams.

If you want to strengthen your team’s ability to manage conflict constructively, explore our training programs and courses at PeacefulLeadersAcademy.com or connect with us directly for a consultation.

Because better workplaces aren’t built by eliminating conflict, they’re built by handling it well.

🎧 Listen now to learn how building conflict competency can transform tension into trust, alignment, and stronger performance.

Connect with Me

🌐 Website: PollackPeacebuilding.com

🌐 Dr. Pollack’s Courses: peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/
📧 Email: support@pollackpeacebuilding.com
📱 LinkedIn: Jeremy Pollack es

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Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems

More from Dr. Pollack: 

• Peaceful Leaders Academy
• Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict
• FREE e-book: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide to Coworker Mediation: Free Ebook - Pollack Peacebuilding Systems

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