Episode Summary

In this episode, Jeremy explores how to use assertiveness—not passivity or aggression—to set clear, respectful boundaries at work. You’ll learn practical tools to protect your time, reduce burnout, and improve communication with colleagues and supervisors.

What You’ll Learn

• What assertiveness really is (and isn’t)
  
  
• Why boundary-setting is key to professional well-being
  
  
• The 4-step assertiveness framework
  
  
• Word-for-word example statements to use at work
  
  
• How to handle pushback with calm confidence
  
  
• Why assertiveness builds stronger teams and cultures
  
  

Episode Highlights

🔹 [00:44] — The difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive communication
🔹 [01:33] — Step 1: How to recognize when a boundary is being crossed
🔹 [02:27] — Step 2: Crafting powerful “I” statements that express needs
🔹 [03:44] — Step 3: Why clarity and directness prevent misunderstandings
🔹 [05:00] — Step 4: Tools for reinforcing your boundaries respectfully
🔹 [06:17] — What to do when people push back
🔹 [07:19] — Final thoughts on building healthier workplaces through assertiveness

Connect with Us

🌐 Website: PollackPeacebuilding.com

🌐 Dr. Pollack’s Club: peacefulleadersacademy.com/club
📧 Email: support@pollackpeacebuilding.com
📱 LinkedIn: Jeremy Pollack

📢 Share this episode with a colleague who needs support setting healthy boundaries!

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

🔎 Episode Summary:

Being bullied at work—whether by a peer or supervisor—can be isolating, frustrating, and deeply stressful. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pollack shares 7 practical, research-backed steps to help you recognize, respond to, and recover from workplace bullying. You’ll hear real-world examples, learn how to protect your mental health, and gain tools to take back your power—while staying professional and calm.

Whether you’re currently being bullied or supporting someone who is, this episode offers clear guidance for navigating a toxic workplace dynamic.

🛠️ Key Steps Covered:

1. Recognize the Behavior
   → Identify patterns of disrespect, exclusion, or psychological harm.
   
   
2. Document Everything
   → Keep a detailed, dated log of incidents and impact.
   
   
3. Set Boundaries When Safe
   → Use calm, assertive language to disrupt harmful patterns.
   
   
4. Report Internally
   → Present your documentation to HR or leadership with a solutions-oriented mindset.
   
   
5. Take Care of Your Mental Health
   → Prioritize your emotional well-being and access support when needed.
   
   
6. Explore Your Options
   → If the culture won’t change, consider your long-term path elsewhere.
   
   
7. Know Your Legal Rights
   → Learn when bullying crosses into illegal harassment and what resources are available.

📌 Resources & Links:

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): https://www.eeoc.gov
  
  
• Workplace mental health resources: https://www.workplacementalhealth.org
  
  

💬 Notable Quote:

"Bullying is never your fault—but addressing it is your right. One small step can lead to real change."

✅ Stay Connected with Dr. Jeremy Pollack:

• Website: pollackpeacebuilding.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeremypollack
  
  

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

🔍 Episode Summary

In this episode of Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack, Jeremy dives into a critical skill for every new manager and team lead: building trust. Trust isn't automatic—it’s something you intentionally earn. Without it, even the best plans falter. But with it? You can prevent conflict, foster resilience, and lead with influence instead of authority.

Whether you’re stepping into a team for the first time or trying to rebuild broken trust, this episode offers 8 actionable strategies you can implement immediately. Real-world examples from business, healthcare, tech, and nonprofit leadership illustrate each point and help bring the ideas to life.

🧭 What You’ll Learn

• Why asking for hard feedback early on builds psychological safety
• How meaningful one-on-one conversations lead to deeper connection
• Why leaders who ask for help earn more respect, not less
• How consistent positive reinforcement boosts morale and performance
• The damage emotional inconsistency causes—and how to regulate it
• How transparency prevents toxic assumptions
• Why not level-skipping is about trust, not red tape
• How inviting people into decisions increases ownership and loyalty

📌 Key Takeaways

1. Trust is a bank account—make deposits before you need to withdraw.
2. Consistency beats charisma when it comes to emotional leadership.
3. Transparency builds credibility, even during tough decisions.
4. Your team are the experts—learn from them.
5. Small actions, done consistently, build the strongest trust.

🧠 Episode Quote

✅ Action Step

Pick two of the trust-building strategies discussed and commit to practicing them this week. Write them down. Schedule them. Build the habit—and the trust.

📬 Stay Connected

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow leader. Subscribe for weekly insights on building peace, trust, and clarity in the workplace.

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