
Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack
When an Operational Problem Turns Into Conflict
Two coworkers can’t stand each other. By the time the issue lands on HR’s desk, it looks like a classic personality clash. But what if that’s not actually how the conflict started? A surprising amount of what gets labeled “interpersonal conflict” at work begins with something operational: unclear roles, overlapping responsibilities, undefined authority, poor processes, or expectations that were never clearly communicated. Leave those issues unresolved long enough, and people start assigning motives to each other. Frustration becomes resentment. Eventually, an operational problem becomes a relationship problem too. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pollack breaks down why workplace conflict is so often misdiagnosed and what leaders should look at before assuming two people simply don’t get along. You’ll learn how unclear roles can turn into personal conflict, why fixing the operational issue late may no longer be enough, the three questions Dr. Pollack asks when diagnosing workplace conflict, and why ambiguity and organizational chaos almost inevitably create friction. If you work in HR, manage a team, or lead an organization, this episode offers a practical way to look beneath the conflict you’re seeing and identify what may actually be driving it. This episode draws from Jeremy’s book, Wired for Peace: Using 7 Neuroscience-Based Principles to Resolve Conflicts. Get Wired for Peace : https://a.co/d/02XFwbCC Dealing with conflict on your team or in your workplace? Learn how Pollack Peacebuilding Systems can help: https://pollackpeacebuilding.com Jeremy Pollack, Ph.D., is a social-organizational psychologist and founder of Pollack Peacebuilding Systems. He helps people and organizations rewire the way they understand and handle conflict. 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 Subscribe & Share: If this episode resonated, share it with a colleague or leader. Follow Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack for practical tools that create healthier, more effective workplaces. 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 Connect with Dr. Pollack on social media: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn

