Why repairing relationships is a career "superpower" and how burnout affects retention.

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I'm a Leo so I may be biased, but August always feels like the month to roar. Whether it's reimagining your corporate culture, redefining new community values, or taking some personal time for career reflection, this is the season to boldly claim the safety and belonging you desire.

In that spirit, today's newsletter offers news and resources that underscore that approach. The story on burnout is a good wake-up call for those of us that didn't take a summer break. The Q&A may inspire you to be more proactive with your conflict resolution efforts. We're reflecting on the importance of flexibility when implementing conflict skills at your organization. And other stories emphasize that marginalized groups, who are often overlooked, have more power than they might give themselves credit for.

We only have two learning opportunities on the calendar this month: Conflict 101 on August 25th, and Conflict 201 on August 26th. I hope to see you there!

Need something more personalized? Book time to discuss a custom workshop or consulting engagement.

With a lioness roar,

Nicole

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Our operations team needs different conflict resolution approaches than our creative team, but I don't want to create completely different standards across the company. How do you customize training for different roles while maintaining some consistency in how we handle workplace issues?

Different teams need different approaches. What works for deadline-driven operations folks might feel too structured for creative teams, and what works for brainstorming sessions might feel too touchy-feely for data-focused groups.

Start with universal principles that apply everywhere: assume positive intent, focus on impact and not just intent, separate the person from the problem, and always end with clear next steps. These core values stay consistent across your organization.

Then customize the application. Your operations team might prefer structured problem-solving protocols and clear escalation paths. Your creative team might respond better to storytelling approaches and collaborative visioning exercises. Both are learning the same conflict skills, they're just learning them in ways that match their team culture.

Create opportunities for cross-team learning too. Sometimes the operations team's systematic approach can help creative teams implement their brilliant ideas, and the creative team's divergent thinking can help operations teams generate innovative solutions to persistent problems. Different approaches become organizational strengths when they're connected thoughtfully.

Whatever you do decide, make sure that information is shared across teams, and note why. An all-hands would be an ideal time for both teams to highlight what’s working for them and what’s not. Remember, talking about conflict helps normalize it – creating a safer space to address it in the future.

Repairing relationships is the career superpower nobody talks about. The ability to navigate hard conversations successfully is a critical skill — for individuals as well as companies. Quartz >

A study indicates that half of workers have experienced a quarter-life career crisis. Employers can offer more accessible support systems that address both professional development and personal well-being. HR Dive >

A multiracial democracy depends on Black institutions. The message is not new, but it remains vital to keep in our sights: if the United States is to ever build a truly multiracial democracy, Black institutions must play a central role. NonProfit Quarterly >

Millennials, Gen Z most likely to be impacted by burnout. 77% of millennials (77%) and 72% of Gen Z workers said they have experienced at least one symptom of burnout, such as exhaustion or feeling unmotivated, compared to 62% of Gen Xers and just 38% of baby boomers. Business Journal >

Are companies merely reframing DEI policies to keep up with the times? 53% of the S&P 100 adjusted their DEI messaging in major filings in 2025, changing what they disclose to the public. Among the biggest firms in the US, the use of the DEI term dropped by 68%. HR Digest >

3 resources to help companies design and defend legal DEI programs. Legal experts have created three resources to assist companies in designing and defending legal DEI measures. Forbes >

Here’s how to layoff proof your job. So far this year, companies have eliminated 800,000 jobs. While this can be anxiety inducing, here are some tips for protecting your job. Fast Company >

We turn workplace disagreements into your company's invitation to foster inclusion and build psychological safety. Instead of just putting out fires, we help your teams see conflict as a powerful tool that strengthens relationships rather than damages them.

A typical engagement includes an assessment of your current conflict patterns, a hands-on workshop with real-world scenarios, and follow-up coaching to make sure these new approaches stick when things get tough.

Book a free, 15-minute consultation to see how we can help.

Learn is the consultancy arm of Reclamation Ventures, an award-winning venture studio that’s created well-known brands like Reimagined, Banned Books Book Club, and the RV Fund. Over the past five years, we’ve helped organizations create more inclusive and equitable spaces through trainings, workshops and hands-on consulting.

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