HCI senior trainer Michael Lomax joins Megan Hunter to unpack why high conflict behavior is escalating in today's workplaces—and what leaders can actually do about it. Drawing on twenty-five years in workplace dispute resolution, Michael explains why global stress and unresolved trauma are showing up at work, what happens in a leader's brain when they get emotionally hooked, and how to regulate yourself before you respond. You'll learn the "calm before think" strategy for de-escalating upset employees, how to handle a team-wide crisis triggered by one inflammatory email, and when a single conversation with a difficult senior leader simply isn't enough. Whether you're a leader, in HR, or anyone trying to navigate a workplace that feels harder than it used to—this one's for you.
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Important Notice: Our discussions focus on behavioral patterns rather than diagnoses. For specific legal or therapeutic guidance, please consult qualified professionals in your area.
- (00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault
- (01:19) - Michael’s Background
- (02:35) - High Conflict at Work
- (08:24) - An Increase
- (11:33) - How It’s Showing Up
- (14:11) - Getting Emotionally Hooked
- (18:32) - What You Can Do and Regulating
- (23:12) - Shifting into Problem-Solving
- (29:13) - Email Conflict
- (35:40) - Options List
- (37:14) - Wrap Up
