Navigating Workplace Drama Effectively with Marlene Chism (Encore) | Ep #123
Release Date: 07/15/2025
Building Better Managers
In this encore episode of Building Better Managers, host Wendy Hanson talks with experts Karolin Helbig and Minette Norman to explore the critical concept of psychological safety in the workplace. They discuss the importance of creating an environment where employees feel safe to express themselves, share ideas, and take risks without fear of negative consequences. The conversation covers practical strategies for leaders and team members alike to foster psychological safety, including communication techniques, managing reactions, embracing failure, and designing inclusive rituals. Key...
info_outlineBuilding Better Managers
In this encore episode of Building Better Managers, host Wendy Hanson engages with Marlene Chism to explore the complexities of conflict in the workplace. They discuss the importance of developing conflict capacity, emotional integrity, and leadership clarity. Marlene emphasizes the need for leaders to confront their inner narratives and the impact of organizational culture on conflict resolution. Key takeaways: Conflict capacity involves skills development, inner game, and culture. Drama in the workplace is inevitable but can be managed. Emotional integrity means owning your experience and...
info_outlineBuilding Better Managers
In this encore episode of Building Better Managers, host Wendy Hanson discusses the importance of self-care for leaders with management consultant Liz Kislik. They explore effective time management strategies, the distinction between empathy and compassion, and the structural solutions that can support self-care in the workplace. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to model self-care, manage their time effectively, and navigate conflicts with compassion and action. Listeners are encouraged to take actionable steps to improve their leadership and team dynamics. Key takeaways: ...
info_outlineBuilding Better Managers
In this episode of Building Better Managers, host Wendy Hanson engages in a deep conversation with Chris Wells, VP of EMEA at New Level Work, about the intersections of sales, HR, and learning and development. They explore the importance of personal connections in sales, the similarities between HR and sales professionals, and the common blind spots in leadership development programs. The discussion also highlights the evolving approaches to leadership development, the challenges faced by HR leaders, and the future of sales in the context of leadership development. Chris shares valuable...
info_outlineBuilding Better Managers
Host Wendy Hanson engages with Kristine Ellis, Director of Talent Development at GuideWell, to explore the complexities of leadership in the healthcare sector. They discuss the unique challenges faced by healthcare leaders, the innovative use of AI in management, and the importance of coaching and collaboration in fostering a supportive work environment. The conversation also highlights strategies for navigating change, supporting mental health, and ensuring employee well-being, all while emphasizing the core values that drive GuideWell's mission to transform healthcare. Key takeaways: ...
info_outlineBuilding Better Managers
In this encore episode of Building Better Managers, Wendy engages with Julie Winkle Giulioni, a renowned expert in career development. They discuss the evolution of career conversations, the importance of psychological safety, and the impact of remote work on employee growth. Julie emphasizes the need for continuous dialogue about career development rather than relying on annual reviews. The conversation also explores the role of AI in enhancing career growth while highlighting the irreplaceable value of human interaction. As the workplace continues to evolve, leaders must adapt their...
info_outlineBuilding Better Managers
In this encore episode, host Wendy Hanson engages with David Evans, VP of Product at New Level Work, to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in leadership development. They discuss the definitions of AI, its applications in product development, and successful integrations in the industry. David shares insights on how AI can enhance coaching, streamline administrative tasks, and foster stronger human relationships. Key takeaways: AI is not a replacement but a tool for enhancement. Understanding AI is crucial for future job security. AI can create value by helping...
info_outlineBuilding Better Managers
In this episode, host Wendy Hanson talks with the customer success team at Better Manager, discussing their roles, the importance of customer success, and the collaborative culture they foster. The conversation highlights the team's commitment to helping clients thrive at work, the lessons learned in their journey, and their vision for the future of customer success. Key takeaways: Customer success is about understanding unique client needs. Empathy and emotional intelligence are crucial in customer success roles. Building a customer success team requires proactive engagement. Feedback loops...
info_outlineBuilding Better Managers
In this encore episode, host Wendy Hanson engages with Dr. Julie Pham, founder of CuriosityBase, to explore the critical role of respect in relationships, particularly in the workplace. They discuss the seven forms of respect — procedure, punctuality, information, candor, consideration, acknowledgement, and attention — and how understanding these can enhance communication and collaboration within teams. Key takeaways: Good processes require positive relationships to be effective. Respect is a key component in both personal and professional relationships. The seven forms of respect help...
info_outlineBuilding Better Managers
In this episode, Meighan Hackett Poritz, managing director of the Learning Forum, discusses the importance of peer learning and collaboration among leaders in the workplace. She talks about the evolution of work dynamics post-pandemic, the significance of trust in professional relationships, and innovative practices in talent development. The conversation highlights the need for a coaching culture within organizations and the role of networking in fostering growth and development among managers and leaders. Key takeaways: The world of work has seen major shifts in the past year. Confidential...
info_outlineIn this encore episode of Building Better Managers, host Wendy Hanson engages with Marlene Chism to explore the complexities of conflict in the workplace. They discuss the importance of developing conflict capacity, emotional integrity, and leadership clarity. Marlene emphasizes the need for leaders to confront their inner narratives and the impact of organizational culture on conflict resolution.
Key takeaways:
- Conflict capacity involves skills development, inner game, and culture.
- Drama in the workplace is inevitable but can be managed.
- Emotional integrity means owning your experience and feelings.
- Changing your narrative can shift your perspective on conflict.
- Leadership identity must align with organizational goals.
- Clarity in leadership roles is essential for effective management.
- Workplace culture influences how conflict is addressed.
- Self-awareness is key to navigating personal and professional conflicts.
- Leaders should encourage open communication to reduce drama.
- Courage is necessary to engage in difficult conversations.
Meet Marlene:
Marlene is the author of four books, including Stop Workplace Drama, No-Drama Leadership, 7 Ways to Stop Drama in Your Healthcare Practice, and From Conflict to Courage: How to Stop Avoiding and Start Leading.
She's also an expert on the LinkedIn Learning platform, offering courses in Anger Management, Difficult Conversations, Difficult Conversations for Managers, and Working with High Conflict People as a Manager.
Marlene has a degree in Communications from Drury University and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University. She’s an advanced practitioner in Narrative Coaching.
Follow Marlene:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlenechism/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlenechismconsulting/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marlenechism
- Website - https://www.marlenechism.com/
Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Do you enjoy our show? One of the best ways to help us out is leave a 5-star review on your platform of choice! It's easy - just go here: https://www.newlevelwork.com/review
For more information, please visit the New Level Work website. https://www.newlevelwork.com/category/podcast
© 2019 - 2025 New Level Work