Communication Psychology and HR – with Gerhard Ohrband
I’m Gerhard, a communication psychologist and consultant from Hamburg, Germany, working with HR teams and leaders in Moldova, South Eastern Europe, and beyond. Here, we explore the psychological research behind everyday HR and workplace communication — without buzzwords and without pretending everything is easy. Each week, we unpack one topic that HR professionals often hear about but rarely understand from a scientific perspective.
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Why “No Complaints” Might Be the Worst Sign in Your Company
<p>Why “No Complaints” Might Be the Worst Sign in Your Company</p>
Why Being Yourself Is Not Enough in Communication
<p>We are judged in every interaction —not for who we are “deep down,” but for the role we take on in that moment.Clarity about roles comes before authenticity and long before techniques.Without it, even good intentions can lead to poor outcomes.<br>#communication #roles #leadership #perception #authenticity#personaldevelopment</p><p></p>
Common Misconceptions About Communication Training
<p>Many people believe a communicationcoach must be a perfect communicator—or that coaching means being told exactlywhat to say. In reality, communication is messier, more human, and far moresituational. Drawing on a personal failure from my own professional practice, Iexplore why real progress in communication starts with feedback, courage, andaddressing what usually remains unsaid.</p><p>#communication #softskills#leadershipcommunication #businesscommunication #communicationtraining#coaching #humanadvantage #learningfromfailure</p><p></p>
Are Our Communication Skills Really Improving?
<p>In a world obsessedwith speed and technology, are we really getting better at listening,negotiating, and connecting? Explore why human skills—especiallycommunication—might be the real differentiator in today’s professional life,and why actively improving them is more important than ever.<br>#CommunicationSkills #SoftSkills #HumanConnection #Empathy #ProfessionalGrowth#PodcastEpisode</p>
What Is Perfect Communication?
<p>It’s early January 2026. More than five years have passed since I publishedmy last book.<br>In the meantime, the world of communication has changed — and not necessarilyfor the better.</p><p>We live in an age of lifehacks, quick formulas, and promises like “say thisand you’ll get what you want.” At the same time, in my work with teams andleaders, I see something troubling: empathy is declining, rigidity is increasing,and communication is becoming more technical — and less human.</p><p>By October this year, I plan to publish a new book on communicationpsychology titled:</p><p>Adequate Bus...
Numerology and HR — Dangerous or Useful Shortcut?
<p>I know this may be controversial, and some people might feel uncomfortableor even angry hearing this. But it’s worth asking: what happens when hiring,leadership, or team decisions are influenced by zodiac signs, numbers, or“energetic profiles”? In an increasingly complex world, shortcuts feeltempting. But what does science actually say — and what are the hidden costs ofputting people into neat but fictional boxes?<br>#HR #psychology #numerology #astrology #leadershipdevelopment #decisionmaking#pseudoscience #workplaceculture #peoplemanagement #communication</p><p></p>
How to Deal With Your Own Mistakes in Communication
<p>Communication mistakes are far more common than we realize — and most ofthem are unintentional. When we respond with openness instead of punishment, weincrease psychological safety and strengthen teamwork. Here are some practicalideas for handling your own communication errors more effectively.</p><p>#communication #leadership #psychology #personaldevelopment#workplaceculture #business #teams</p><p></p>
The dangers of practicing communication with AI
<p></p><p>We’re surrounded by AI tools that make communication feel safer and easier.But what happens to our real-life relationships when we remove allinterpersonal risk? Can fluency replace the ability to truly listen, feel, andunderstand another human being?</p><p>#CommunicationPsychology #InterpersonalSkills #AIandHumanity#DigitalCommunication #RealConversations #LanguageLearning #RelationshipSkills#HumanConnection</p><p></p>
What Is the Problem with Labelling Your Employees?
<p></p><p>Have you ever noticed how quickly weput people into boxes?<br>“He’s an introvert.” “She’s a born leader.”<br>It feels efficient — but what do we lose when we start believing our ownlabels?</p><p>In business, labelling can feel likeclarity, but it often distorts reality.<br>Because behind every “type” is a person — and behind every person, a story thatdoesn’t fit neatly into categories.</p><p>#Leadership #HR #Communication#Psychology #OrganizationalCulture #Diversity #PeopleDevelopment #Mindset#WorkplaceCulture #Coaching</p><p></p>
The Four Top Mistakes Made by Job Interviewers
<p>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.<br>#JobInterviews #HiringMistakes #StructuredInterviews #RecruitmentTips #HR#BiasInHiring #JobInterviewTips #HumanResources #HiringProcess#CandidateExperience</p><p></p>
