This is a short course on the human psychological tendency to be right, and how that tendency fuels conflict. It’s designed to help you understand the cognitive underpinnings of this common human drive toward being right, how it influences workplace conflict, and how we might mitigate its negative effects at work.

For the full episode, including a downloadable eBook supplement, please join Dr. Pollack Peaceful Leaders Club at https://peacefulleadersacademy.com/club/. Club members get access to exclusive content, Dr. Pollack's online course library, and coaching groups with Dr. Pollack and his team.

For conflict intervention and training programs, please visit our website to get more information: https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/

References for this episode: https://peacefulleadersacademy.com/club/references/rightness-july-2025/

00:00 Introduction
02:45 The Psychology of Rightness
05:38 Cognitive Biases Overview
07:53 Confirmation Bias
10:09 Anchoring Bias
12:15 Bias Blind Spot & Naive Realism
14:01 Dunning-Kruger Effect (Overconfidence)
16:28 How Being Right Leads to Conflict
18:30 Costs of Rightness at Work
20:44 Where to Access Full Episode

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, 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