Why is conflict resolution degrading as a skill in the workplace, and what can w3e do about it?

In their last episode before the holidays, Paul and Matt explore how factors like the personalized internet, social media, and AI are conspiring to make it challenging to handle conflict respectfully and to use it as a driver for positive change. And they propose an exercise you can use in the workplace to help you deal with conflict before it becomes a real issue.

00:00 Introduction to Conflict Resolution

02:01 The Impact of Technology on Conflict

02:58 Social Media and Tribalism

03:55 AI and Conflict Avoidance

04:23 The Decline of Conflict Resolution Skills

08:19 Conflict in Personal Relationships

09:16 Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies

13:57 Addressing Underlying Tensions

17:50 Podcast Wrap-Up and Upcoming Episodes

Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential.

For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.

Paul is joined by Bill Kirst, host of the Coffee and Change podcast and author of the new book Leading Change in the Era of AI.

The conversation explores the psychological and societal implications of rushing toward artificial intelligence. Kirst argues that while technology companies strive to maximize addiction and profit, individuals must pause to ask if they are losing their identity in the "race" for efficiency. From the potential for a "reverse renaissance" led by younger generations to the importance of "messy" human connection over AI simulation, this episode is a call to preserve the unique divinity of the human spirit.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The "Master’s Degree" in Understanding: Kirst shares a story about his 84-year-old father, who went from feeling inept about AI to feeling empowered and informed after reading the book.

• The Addiction Algorithm: A look at how tech companies hire psychologists to tweak algorithms for dependency, repeating the mistakes of the social media era.

• The Race to Irrelevance: Slater and Kirst discuss the fear driving governments, corporations, and individuals to adopt AI, asking: "Will we remember ourselves and who we are at the end of said race?".

• The Mirror Metaphor: Kirst reveals that the backward binary code on his book cover is designed to be read in a mirror, symbolizing the need for self-reflection before engaging with technology.

• Empty Calories vs. Nourishment: An analogy comparing AI interaction to "empty calories" that leave the spirit lethargic, versus the "nourishment" found in messy, authentic human relationships.

• The "Reverse Renaissance": Hopeful signs that Gen Alpha and high school students are asking for permission to disconnect and say "no" to constant AI integration.

• The Refuge of Human Spaces: The prediction that society will eventually place a premium on "human-only" spaces—like phone-free restaurants—to escape the perfection of the digital world.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Book: Leading Change in the Era of AI by Bill Kirst.

• Podcast: Coffee and Change hosted by Bill Kirst.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:37 Reactions to the Book

02:06 Common Reactions and Personal Stories

04:02 AI's Role and Ethical Concerns

08:26 The Race for AI Supremacy

15:04 Generative AI and Its Impacts

21:35 Youth Perspectives and Hesitations

26:43 Exploring Human-AI Relationships

27:49 The Emotional Impact of AI Companions

29:07 The Chemical Reactions in Human-AI Interactions

31:50 The Dangers of Over-Reliance on AI

35:41 Human Connection vs. AI Interaction

43:03 The Future of Human Interaction in a Digital World

49:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential.

For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.

Written communication has expanded from formal emails to Slack messages, tweets, and video scripts. But are you being understood? In this "Quick Fix" episode, Paul and Matt break down why the way we were taught to write in school fails us at work and how the lack of intonation in text creates emotional misunderstandings. Paul introduces a four-layer framework to ensure your writing is effective and resonant, and issues a warning about using AI: don't let it destroy your authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

• The Sender-Receiver Gap: What feels positive to you as the sender can often be received negatively. Text lacks the vocal cues that usually signal intent, creating a gap where uncertainty and anxiety emerge.

• The Framework for Excellence (The 4 Rs): To move from "functionally okay" to excellent, layer your communication to be:

1. Real: Truthful and clear.

2. Receivable: Short sentences that are easy to process.

3. Relevant: Focused on what the other person needs to know, not just what you want to say.

4. Resonant: Toned appropriately for the relationship and circumstance.

• The AI Warning: While AI is useful early in the drafting process, relying on it too heavily can strip away your unique voice. This creates cognitive dissonance when people eventually meet you in person and the "real you" doesn't match your written persona.

The "Quick Fix" Challenge: Before you hit send on your next important email or text, pause. Read it through the eyes of the receiver. Better yet, use a text-to-speech tool to listen to it. Hearing your words read back to you can reveal issues with tone and clarity that your eyes might miss.

Resources & References:

• Book Mentioned: Smart Brevity (Recommended for structure, but use with caution to remain authentic).

• Tool: Speechify (Text-to-speech app).

Up Next: Join us Thursday for a deep dive with Bill Kirst on maintaining our humanity in the age of AI, and tune in next Tuesday for a Quick Fix on Conflict Resolution.

Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential.

For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.