#105 – Keeping it Fair for Everyone: Integrity & Neutrality in Investigation Processes with Dean Benard

Podcast, WORKPLACE WELLNESS

In a world where speaking up can often feel futile, where justice and fairness seem elusive, and where workplace conflicts can leave us feeling unheard, it’s easy for many conflicts to go unresolved. Finding a neutral party that will lend an ear and unearth the truth without being swayed by the biases and preconceptions ingrained in our society may seem like an impossible feat.

With over 25 years of experience investigating and mediating disputes, Dean Bernard has seen what happens when people are silenced by fear. As a Conflict Strategist and CEO of Bernard and Associates, he deeply understands that honesty, integrity, and fairness must be the pillar of any workplace investigation for people to be willing to open up.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, Dean shares valuable insights on the most crucial aspects of any investigative process, choosing a neutral investigator, adopting a trauma-informed approach, addressing employee curiosity, and more. Join us as we delve into Dean’s methodology, where he emphasizes the power of listening, understanding, and maintaining an open mind to navigate the complex world of workplace investigations.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

🎙️ How to choose an investigator who leads with neutrality

🎙️ Leaving behind traditional assumptions for a trauma-informed investigation

🎙️ Dealing with the curiosity of employees who aren’t involved in the conflict

🎙️ Nurturing a culture of open communication in the workplace to resolve conflicts effectively

🎙️ Practicing active listening and empathy skills to better navigate conflicts

Dean Benard is a conflict strategist with over 25 years of experience investigating and mediating disputes. Starting his career in nursing and later transitioning to policing, Dean ultimately found his calling in investigative work. His firm, Bernard and Associates, specializes in workplace investigations, striving to provide impartiality and neutrality throughout the process.

If you’re looking to enhance your understanding of integrity and neutrality in workplace investigations, then this episode is for you!

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

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Lindsay Lapaquette

Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc.(A) works with middle managers who want to communicate authentically so they can effectively lead their teams without losing themselves. As a former Speech-Language Pathologist, Lindsay applies her expertise in the neuroscience of communication and connection to help managers foster an environment of trust and respect in their teams, so that everyone can bring their best selves to work.

Lindsay’s approach has been profoundly influenced by her work with Indigenous organizations, her experience as a parent to two neurodivergent children, and the premature loss of both of her parents. These experiences have taught Lindsay great lessons about the power of excellent people skills that extend well beyond her professional expertise.

Lindsay Lapaquette

Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc.(A) works with middle managers who want to communicate authentically so they can effectively lead their teams without losing themselves. As a former Speech Language Pathologist, Lindsay applies her expertise in the neuroscience of communication and connection to help managers foster an environment of trust and respect in their teams, so that everyone can bring their best selves to work.

Lindsay’s approach has been profoundly influenced by her work with First Nations organizations, her experience as a parent to two children with pervasive mental health challenges, and the premature loss of both of her parents. These experiences have taught Lindsay great lessons about the power of excellent people skills that extend well beyond her professional expertise.

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