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Flowing River Conflict Solutions
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From Tension to Agreements: How HR Can Standardize How Teams Disagree
Most teams have a set of operating guidelines. They know their goals, deadlines, priorities, and metrics, but when tensions rise, teams struggle to stick to them. That’s because conflict rarely shows up in explicit ways. It shows up like this: A sharp tone in a meeting Avoidance after a disagreement Side conversations that turn into gossip Decisions that get revisited again and again A manager trying to “keep the peace” by lowering expectations If you’re an HR leader, you’ve
Valerie Polunas
Dec 30, 20255 min read


Team Lessons from Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love at Work
December has a way of speeding up just as we’re running out of steam. Deadlines pile up, inboxes overflow, and everyone’s trying to squeeze in “one last thing” before the year ends. When I worked on teams, that push to the finish line was rough, but even then, it felt important to pause just long enough to: Reflect on our work together Dream about what we might take on next Clear up any lingering tensions Have a little fun Show real appreciation for what we’d just pulled off
Valerie Polunas
Nov 24, 20255 min read


Disagree Better at Work: A Simple Conversation Tool for a Polarized Season
It’s November, which means election chatter, even in an “off year.” Local ballots don’t grab national headlines, but they can still amplify the feeling that we’re miles apart. But, are we really that different? Or are we being nudged into outrage by attention-hungry politics and algorithms? In my experience, people with very different views still find common ground and always a shared humanity. The talks aren’t always easy, but with the right mindset and skills, people can di
Valerie Polunas
Oct 29, 20253 min read


Navigating Workplace Conflict: Prevention vs. Management
Conflict isn’t a sign something’s wrong. It’s a signal something’s ready to change. Knowing the difference between conflict prevention ...
Valerie Polunas
Sep 27, 20253 min read


Building a Nonviolent Workplace: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Six Principles of Nonviolence at Work
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, National Park Service Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolence is built on six clear...
Valerie Polunas
Aug 26, 20254 min read


Navigating Workplace Conflict: A Path to Team Resilience
Understanding Conflict in Teams Conflict is a natural part of any team environment. It can arise from differing opinions,...
Valerie Polunas
Jul 27, 20256 min read


Do You Cringe When You Hear the Word "Conflict"?
It's okay if you do. You're definitely not alone. Understanding Conflict: A Fresh Perspective Merriam-Webster defines conflict as: "a...
Valerie Polunas
Jun 25, 20253 min read
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