Have you ever noticed how quickly weput people into boxes?
“He’s an introvert.” “She’s a born leader.”
It feels efficient — but what do we lose when we start believing our ownlabels?

In business, labelling can feel likeclarity, but it often distorts reality.
Because behind every “type” is a person — and behind every person, a story thatdoesn’t fit neatly into categories.

#Leadership #HR #Communication#Psychology #OrganizationalCulture #Diversity #PeopleDevelopment #Mindset#WorkplaceCulture #Coaching

Discover the top mistakes made byjob interviewers and how to avoid them to ensure a fair and effective hiringprocess. Learn why structured interviews are a game-changer and how biases likethe beauty bias can affect your decisions. Tune in to find out how you canimprove your recruitment process and attract the best talent.
#JobInterviews #HiringMistakes #StructuredInterviews #RecruitmentTips #HR#BiasInHiring #JobInterviewTips #HumanResources #HiringProcess#CandidateExperience

Is being authentic always the right approach? In the corporate world, where do we draw the line between authenticity and playing a role? Check out the discussion on how we balance our inner complexity and outer behavior.

#Authenticity #CorporateCulture #CommunicationSkills #ProfessionalGrowth #InnerComplexity #PersonalValues #TrustBuilding

Praise can be a powerful tool formotivation, but did you know it can also have unintended consequences? Whetherit's making someone more vulnerable to future challenges or even backfiring ina conversation, the way we offer praise matters. In both personal andprofessional settings, it's essential to consider how and why we give feedback.

#CommunicationPsychology #Feedback#Motivation #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #GrowthMindset #WorkplaceCulture#PsychologyInBusiness

References

Brehm, J. W.,& Brehm, S. S. (1981). Psychologicalreactance: A theory of freedom and control.Academic Press.

Müller, C. M., & Dweck, C. S.(1999). Praise and personality: Implications for the development ofcompetence and motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,77(4), 868-879. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.77.4.868

Schulz von Thun, F. (2008). Miteinander reden von A bis Z: DiePsychologie der Kommunikation (1st ed.). RowohltTaschenbuch Verlag.

Conflict doesn’t always look the way we expect it. Just because there’s no visible tension, doesn’t mean everything is fine. In my latest episode, I explore how unspoken misunderstandings and hidden conflicts can silently affect your team’s engagement, collaboration, and retention. It’s time to rethink what “conflict” really means in the workplace.

#ConflictManagement #HR #TeamDynamics #EmployeeEngagement #OrganizationalCulture

References

Allen, D. G.,& Griffeth, R. W. (2001). Employeeturnover and retention: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(5), 1134-1151.https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.86.5.1134

De Dreu, C. K. W., & Gelfand, M.J. (2008). Conflict in the workplace: A dynamic perspective. InternationalJournal of Conflict Management, 19(3), 210-232.https://doi.org/10.1108/10444060810877517

Fisher, R., Ury, W., & Patton,B. (2011). Getting to yes: Negotiating agreement without giving in (3rded.). Penguin Books.

Jehn, K. A. (1995). A multimethodexamination of the benefits and detriments of intragroup conflict. AdministrativeScience Quarterly, 40(2), 256-282. https://doi.org/10.2307/2393395

Thomas, K. W. (1992). Conflictand conflict management: Reflections and update. Journal of OrganizationalBehavior, 13(3), 265-274. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.4030130307

Ever had second thoughts after a tough conversation?
That nagging “I should have said…” feeling usually isn’t about wit orluck—it’s about preparation. Psychologist Friedemann Schulz von Thun shows howour Inner Team can make or break communication.

Which team members show up when youspeak—and which ones are missing?

👉 Discover how to train your Inner Team and walk into yournext conversation prepared.

#CommunicationSkills#LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #Psychology #SelfAwareness#PublicSpeaking

References

Böckler, A.,Bräuer, J., Grosse Holtforth, M., & Ehrenthal, J. C. (2020). Know thy selves: Learning to understand oneself increasesthe ability to understand others.Frontiers inPsychology, 11.https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.571746 PMC

Hodgdon, H. B.,van der Kolk, B., Southwell, K., Hrubec, T., & Schwartz, R. C. (2021). Internal Family Systems Therapy for Posttraumatic StressDisorder Among Survivors of Multiple Childhood Trauma. Journal of TraumaticStress, 34(3), 652-662. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2021.2013375Tandfonline+1

Schulz von Thun, F. (1998). Miteinander reden 3: Das Innere Teamund situationsgerechte Kommunikation: Kommunikation, Person, Situation. Reinbek bei Hamburg, Germany:Rowohlt. PMC+1

Schwartz, R.C., Sweezy, M. (2019). InternalFamily Systems Skills Training Manual: Trauma-Informed Treatment for Anxiety,Depression, PTSD & Self-Esteem.Oakland, CA: Internal Family Systems Institute. IFS Institute

Van der Kolk, B., Hodgdon, H. B.,& Schwartz, R. C. (2024). Online Group-Based Internal Family SystemsTreatment for PTSD: Feasibility and Acceptability of the Program. Journal ofClinical Psychology, 80(8), 1374-1390. PMC

Ever notice a lively conversation inside your own mind—each voice nudging you in a different direction? Mastering these inner voices is the first step to clearer, more authentic communication with the world.

#InnerDialogue #SelfAwareness #CommunicationPsychology #InnerTeam #LeadershipFromWithinReferences

López-Jiménez, A. M., &Rodríguez-Testal, J. F. (2016). Relationship between inner dialog andideas of reference and the mediating role of dissociation. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology.  https://doi.org/10.1111/sjop.12344

Oleś, P. K., & Brinthaupt, T. M. (2020). Types of inner dialogues andfunctions of self-talk: Comparisons and implications. Frontiers inPsychology, 11, 227. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00227

Van der Ven, E., & Peled-Avron, L. (2015). Bringing the “self” intofocus: Conceptualising the role of self-experience for understanding andworking with distressing voices. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1129. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01129

Schulz von Thun, F. (2003). Miteinanderreden 3: Das innere Team und situationsgerechte Kommunikation. Reinbek bei Hamburg: Rowohlt.

Public speaking is rehearsed, scripted, and predictable. But what about theconversations we can’t plan—the ones that take unexpected turns, stir emotions,or shift roles on the spot? In this episode of The Unscripted Challenge, we explore why real-life conversationsoften feel harder than stepping onto a stage—and how you can navigate them withmore confidence.

References

Afifi, W. A., & Weiner, J. L. (2004). Toward a theory of motivatedinformation management. CommunicationTheory, 14(2), 167–190. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2885.2004.tb00310.x

Kaneko, A. (2024). Communication apprehension in the workplace: The role ofposition and facilitation skills. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly. Advanceonline publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/23294906241295696

Lillie, T., Venetis, M. K., &Chernichky-Karcher, S. (2023). Resilience communication mitigates thenegative relational effects of topic avoidance: Evidence from parentalcaregiving and COVID-19 pandemic contexts. Personal Relationships, 30(4), 1252–1273. https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12508

McCroskey, J. C., Beatty, M. J., Kearney, P., & Plax, T. G. (1985). Thecontent validity of the PRCA-24 as a measure of communication apprehensionacross communication contexts. CommunicationQuarterly, 33(3), 165–173. https://doi.org/10.1080/01463378509369595

Every team has a “difficult person”—the colleague who always says no, challenges every idea, or seems impossibly negative. But what if that behavior actually reflects a hidden virtue? In this episode, we explore how recognizing the good in the bad can transform difficult conversations and bring more balance to your team.

References

Baege, M. (2018). Bowen family systems theory. Vermont Center forFamily Studies. Retrieved fromhttps://vermontcenterforfamilystudies.org/about/bowen-family-systems-theory/

Brown, J., & Errington, L. (2024). Bowen family systems theory andpractice: Illustration and critique revisited. ResearchGate. Retrievedfrom https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jenny-Brown-2/publication/381014808_Bowen_family_systems_theory_and_practice_Illustration_and_critique_revisited/links/66829e8e0a25e27fbc1a1f34/Bowen-family-systems-theory-and-practice-Illustration-and-critique-revisited.pdf

Schulz von Thun, F. (1989). DasWerte- und Entwicklungsquadrat. Schulz von Thun Institut. Retrievedfrom https://www.schulz-von-thun.de/die-modelle/das-werte-und-entwicklungsquadrat

The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family. (n.d.). Introduction toBowen theory. Retrieved from https://www.thebowencenter.org/introduction-eight-concepts

Verywell Mind. (2022, January 10). What is family systems therapy?.Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/family-systems-therapy-definition-techniques-and-efficacy-5213785

We often hear that growth begins only outside our comfort zone. But the truth is more nuanced: sustainable progress happens in the learning zone, not when we’re thrown into panic. In this episode, I’ll share why keeping some areas of stability is vital if we want to grow boldly in others.

#ComfortZone #LearningZone #PersonalGrowth #CommunicationSkills#PsychologicalSafety #Coaching #LeadershipDevelopment #Resilience#GrowthMindset #SelfDevelopment

Literature

Bodie, G. D. (2010). A racing heart,rattling knees, and ruminative thoughts: Defining, explaining, and treatingpublic speaking anxiety. Communication Education, 59(1), 70–105.https://doi.org/10.1080/03634520903443849

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow:The psychology of optimal experience. New York: Harper & Row.

McKenzie, M. (2003). Beyond “theoutward bound process”: Rethinking student learning. Journal of ExperientialEducation, 26(1), 8–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/105382590302600104

White, A. (2009). From comfort zoneto performance management: Understanding development and performance. Journalof Management Development, 28(5), 414–427.https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710910955985

Yerkes, R. M., & Dodson, J. D.(1908). The relation of strength of stimulus to rapidity of habit‐formation. Journalof Comparative Neurology and Psychology, 18(5), 459–482.https://doi.org/10.1002/cne.920180503

"Conflict isn’t always destructive—in fact, when harnessed correctly, it can sharpen ideas, drive clarity, and ignite innovation. Whether through rigorous debate or structured task-related tension, the right kind of conflict—with psychological safety and respectful handling—can transform discord into discovery."

#ConflictProductivity #InnovationThroughDebate #PsychologicalSafety #GrowthMindset #Leadership

Have you ever replayed aconversation and wished you could hit “undo”? We all have moments where wordsdon’t land as we hoped — but what if those regrets could become your greatestteachers?

This episode dives into five practical strategies to turncommunication misfires into powerful growth opportunities. Learn how shiftingyour mindset and analyzing your patterns can transform regret into resilience.

#CommunicationSkills #GrowthMindset #EmotionalIntelligence#LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #ConversationTips #SelfAwareness#Resilience #PersonalDevelopment #FeedbackCulture

Books:

·       Carol Dweck: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

·       Maxwell Maltz: Psycho-Cybernetics

Scientific Articles by Carol Dweck:

1.     Dweck, C. S. (2006). "Mindsets and Human Nature: PromotingChange in the Middle East, the Schoolyard, the Corporation, and theClinic." AmericanPsychologist.

2.     Dweck, C. S. (1986). "Motivational processes affectinglearning." AmericanPsychologist.

3.     Dweck, C. S., &Leggett, E. L. (1988). "A social-cognitive approach to motivationand personality." PsychologicalReview.

What’s more terrifying than spidersor heights? For many professionals, it’s public speaking.

In the latest episode of myCommunication Psychology podcast, we tackle the roots of stage frightand explore what actually works to overcome it — according to science.

🚩 Why do we feel speech anxiety, even when we’re prepared?
🧠 What role does temperament play?
🛠️ And how can you train your mind and body to thriveon stage instead of freeze?

Featuring insights fromcommunication psychology, neuroscience, and practical techniques forprofessionals, trainers, and leaders.

🎧 Listen now — and learn how to turn fear into focus.

#PublicSpeaking #StageFright#CommunicationPsychology #Podcast #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence

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Bottom of Form

Recommended reading:

Ayres, J. (1997). Explainingcommunication apprehension: A communication competence perspective. In J.A. Daly, J. C. McCroskey, J. Ayres, T. Hopf, & D. M. Ayres (Eds.), Avoidingcommunication: Shyness, reticence, and communication apprehension (2nd ed.,pp. 55–88). Hampton Press.

Beatty, M. J., McCroskey, J. C.,& Heisel, A. D. (1998). Communication apprehension as atemperament-based construct. Communication Monographs, 65(2),197–219. https://doi.org/10.1080/03637759809376447

Bodie, G. D. (2010). A racingheart, rattling knees, and ruminative thoughts: Defining, explaining, andtreating public speaking anxiety. Communication Education, 59(1),70–105. https://doi.org/10.1080/03634520903443849

Dwyer, K. K., & Davidson, M. M.(2012). Is public speaking really more feared than death? CommunicationResearch Reports, 29(2), 99–107. https://doi.org/10.1080/08824096.2012.667772

Stein, M. B., Walker, J. R., &Forde, D. R. (1996). Public-speaking fears in a community sample:Prevalence, impact on functioning, and diagnostic classification. Archivesof General Psychiatry, 53(2), 169–174. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.1996.01830020093010

In this episode of CommunicationPsychology, we explore how to becomemore flexible in your conversations — not just talking, but trulyadapting and connecting across contexts.

Drawing from cutting-edge research, we examinepractical strategies like:

·       Building cognitiveflexibility to better tune into conversational cues (Chesebro &Martin, 2003; Richter et al., 2020)

·       Developing a communication flexibility mindset through self-awarenessand situational adjustment (Martin & Rubin, 1995)

·       Navigating cultural contexts by adapting communication styles todiverse backgrounds (Hall, 1976; Klopf, 2009)

How can we systematically broaden ourconversational horizons? By engaging with content from different regions, professions, and cultures—literature,podcasts, interviews—that challenge our habitual frames.

Tune in to learn:
✓ Why flexibility matters (for empathy, influence,resilience)
✓ How to train your conversational muscle throughexposure
✓ Real examples and exercises to deepen adaptability

Join the conversation! How have you adaptedyour communication style in unexpected situations? Drop your insights orquestions in the comments 👇 and let’s build a moreflexible, inclusive dialogue landscape together.

#communication #psychology #intercultural#flexibility #podcast #conversations #listening

Recommended reading:

Chesebro, J.W., & Martin, M. M. (2003). Therelationship between conversational sensitivity, cognitive flexibility, verbalaggressiveness and indirect interpersonal aggressiveness. Communication Research Reports, 20(2), 143–150.

Hall, E. T. (1976). BeyondCulture. New York, NY: Doubleday.

Klopf, D. W. (2009). Interculturalcommunication encounters (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Martin, M.,& Rubin, R. B. (1995). Thedevelopment of a communication flexibility measure. Communication Research Reports, 12(2), 145–158.r

Richter, F.,Segerer, P., & Knoblich, G. (2020). Anapproach to social flexibility: Congruency effects during word-by-word turntaking. PLOS ONE, 15(5), e0235083.

How do you react when you make acommunication mistake — defensiveness, shame… or curiosity?

In this episode of my podcast on CommunicationPsychology, I explore how we can adopt an error management attitudewhen we speak — especially when stakes are high. Drawing on the research of MichaelFrese and others, we discuss how mistakes can become stepping stones for learning,adaptability, and authentic connection.

✅ Learn how to turn errors into insights
✅ Discover the role of emotion regulation and mindset
✅ Rethink how your workplace deals with communication mishaps

🔗 Listen now and let me know what mistakes taught you themost.

#CommunicationSkills #Psychology#ErrorManagement #Leadership #GrowthMindset #Podcast

Recommended reading:

Frese, M., & Keith, N. (2015). Errormanagement theory: From training to performance: Key concepts and empiricalfindings. In S. Sonnentag, U. Frese, & C. E. M. Peeters (Eds.), Psychologicalmanagement of individual performance (pp. 111–131). Wiley.

Keith, N., & Frese, M. (2005). Self-regulationin error management training: Emotion control and metacognition as mediators ofperformance effects. Journal of Applied Psychology, 90(4), 677–691.https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.90.4.677

Rybowiak, V., Garst, H., Frese, M.,& Batinic, B. (1999). Error orientation questionnaire (EOQ):Reliability, validity, and different language equivalence. Journal ofOrganizational Behavior, 20(4), 527–547.https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1379(199907)20:4<527::AID-JOB886>3.0.CO;2-G

Van Dyck, C., Frese, M., Baer, M.,& Sonnentag, S. (2005). Organizational error management culture and itsimpact on performance: A two-study replication. Journal of AppliedPsychology, 90(6), 1228–1240. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.90.6.1228

We all say communication iskey — but when it comes to receiving feedback on our own skills, many of usfreeze or flee. Why?

In this episode of the CommunicationPsychology podcast, I explore the surprising psychological reasons behindour resistance to improving our communication. From fear of being “found out”to unconscious identity threats, we dig into why even high-performingprofessionals avoid this kind of self-work.

💡Based on leading research in psychology and communicationcoaching
🎧 Listen in — and maybe challenge your own “immunity tochange”

#communication #psychology #feedback#leadership #growthmindset #podcast

Recommended reading:

Dunning, D., Heath, C., & Suls,J. M. (2004). Flawed self-assessment: Implications for health, education,and the workplace. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 5(3),69–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-1006.2004.00018.x

Gregory, J. B., & Levy, P. E.(2011). It's not me, it's you: A multilevel examination of variables thatimpact employee coaching relationships. Consulting Psychology Journal:Practice and Research, 63(2), 67–88. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024152

Kegan, R., & Lahey, L. L.(2009). Immunity to change: How to overcome it and unlock the potential inyourself and your organization. Harvard Business Press.

London, M. (2003). Job feedback:Giving, seeking, and using feedback for performance improvement (2nd ed.).Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Sedikides, C., & Strube, M. J.(1997). Self-evaluation: To thine own self be good, to thine own self besure, to thine own self be true, and to thine own self be better. Advancesin Experimental Social Psychology, 29, 209–269. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(08)60018-0

Most people think self-confidence means always being in control, nevershowing weakness, always looking sharp. But psychology says otherwise.

In this episode, I explore two radicallydifferent forms of self-confidence:

·       Type 1:The polished, flawless image we project.

·       Type 2:The quiet strength to admit mistakes, ask questions, and show our human side.

Which one builds better relationships, trust,and long-term impact—especially in leadership and communication?

Let’s rethink what it really means to be confident.

#leadership #selfconfidence #communication#psychology #authenticity #podcast

Recommended reading:

Kernis, M. H. (2003). Toward aconceptualization of optimal self-esteem. Psychological Inquiry, 14(1),1–26. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1401_01

Owens, B. P.,& Hekman, D. R. (2012). Modeling howto grow: An inductive examination of humble leader behaviors, contingencies,and outcomes. Academy of Management Journal, 55(4), 787–818.https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2010.0441

Tired of random language tips thatdon’t work? In this episode, we explore what science really says abouteffective language learning. From input and interaction to noticing andmemory—learn how to tailor your approach based on proven psychological and linguistictheories.

Whether you're a beginner oradvanced learner, this episode is packed with insights to help you learnsmarter.

Listen now and upgrade your languagegame!

Recommended reading

Ellis, N. C. (2006). Selective attention and transfer phenomena in SLA:Contingency, cue competition, salience, interference, overshadowing, blocking,and perceptual learning. Applied Linguistics, 27(2), 164–194.https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/aml015

Krashen, S. D. (1982). Principles and practice in second language acquisition.Pergamon Press.

Mackey, A., & Goo, J. (2007). Interaction research in SLA: Ameta‐analysis and research synthesis. In Z. Han (Ed.), Understanding secondlanguage process (pp. 165–180).

Saito, K., & Lyster, R. (2012). Effects of form-focused instruction andcorrective feedback on L2 pronunciation development: A meta-analysis. LanguageLearning, 62(2), 909–933. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9922.2012.00695.

Swain, M. (2005). The output hypothesis: Theory and research. In E. Hinkel(Ed.), Handbook of research in second language teaching and learning(pp. 471–483). Lawrence Erlbaum.

Are we thinking more freely—or justmore alike?

In this episode, I explore how remotework, virtual meetings, and even AI tools may quietly shapethe way we think and who we engage with.

As our communication becomes moredigital and more filtered, are we losing the casual, diverse encounters thatonce challenged our ideas and expanded our minds?

Backed by research from NatureHuman Behaviour, PNAS, and the Quarterly Journal of Economics,we dive into:

If you're a leader, consultant,psychologist, or simply curious about how modern work shapes modern minds—thisone's for you.

Let’s talk: Have you noticeda change in how diverse your conversations have become since working moreonline?

#Podcast #RemoteWork#OrganizationalPsychology #DigitalCommunication #EchoChamber#IdeologicalBubbles #Leadership #HomeOffice #CognitiveDiversity #FutureOfWork

Recommended reading:

Bail, C. A., Argyle, L. P., Brown, T. W., Bumpus, J. P., Chen, H., Hunzaker,M. F., Lee, J., Mann, M., Merhout, F., & Volfovsky, A. (2018). Exposure toopposing views on social media can increase political polarization. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,115(37), 9216–9221. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1804840115

Bloom, N., Liang, J., Roberts, J., & Ying,Z. J. (2015). Does working from home work? Evidence from a Chinese experiment. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 130(1),165–218. https://doi.org/10.1093/qje/qjw032

Gentzkow, M., & Shapiro, J. M. (2011).Ideological segregation online and offline. TheQuarterly Journal of Economics, 126(4), 1799–1839. https://doi.org/10.1093/qje/qjr044

Pariser, E. (2011). The filter bubble: What the Internet is hiding from you. Penguin Press.

Yang,L., Jaffe, S., Galinsky, A., Suri, S., & Hecht, B. (2021). Theeffects of remote work on collaboration among information workers. Nature Human Behaviour, 6(1), 43–54. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-021-01196-4

Spoiler: It is not about creating “safe spaces” or about becoming more polite.