OrgDev with Distinction Workplace Conflct - What Smart Leaders Do Differently with Rick Buccheri I|
May 2, 2026
Rick Buccheri, an organizational development consultant and certified conflict coach, draws on two decades in mediation and federal consulting. He talks about surfacing hidden tensions, pacing difficult conversations, and using paraphrasing to help teams feel heard. He reframes conflict as a capability, explains when to name system-level issues, and offers practical steps leaders can rehearse to address workplace friction.
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From Bank Teller To Community Mediator
- Rick discovered mediation after leaving corporate subprime lending and joined a community mediation center in Baltimore where he trained and worked.
- He describes walking into two-hour orientations and later mediating people who arrived screaming and unloading intense, vulnerable details.
Conflict Skills Strengthen Organizational Development
- Rick's conflict background gave him an edge in OD by enabling deep listening and surfacing self-determination for clients.
- He emphasizes helping people make their own decisions rather than delivering expert answers, blending conflict skills with systemic OD work.
Set Tone Then Ask What Brought Them Here
- Begin mediated conversations by setting process and tone, then ask each party "What brought you here?" to let them feel heard.
- Use reflective listening to de-escalate emotion so parties can shift toward productive dialogue.
