Thoughts and Insights by Michael Gregory

Negotiating a Covenant Not to Compete as an Employee

A tough negotiation between an employee and his or her employee can seem like a one-way negotiation when the employer says sign this.  After all the employer may approach the employee with a covenant not to compete as a take it or leave it situation. In this scenario the employee may feel that he or she has little choice.  The reality is that may be true on the one hand. On the other hand, there are a host of things to consider and ways to provide constructive feedback.  Some key negotiating topics for consideration are presented here for consideration.  This can be made into a win-win scenario when needs are addressed and each party listens to the concerns of the other.

When is the right time not to negotiate?

There are times when it is appropriate to negotiate and times when it is not appropriate to negotiate with another party. This article explores this issue and provides you with some questions to think about before entering into a negotiation.

Hot Tubing with the IRS in U.S. Tax Court on Valuation Cases

Over the last few years the U.S. Tax Court has been experimenting with “hot tubbing” experts [concurrent witness testimony] on cases so that the U.S. Tax Court Judge can informally sit with the experts and ask questions. The commentary that follows considers an application of The Collaboration Effect TM to this situation.

This is how to actively listen in a negotiation

The Collaboration Effect enhances relationshiips, resources and revenues.

When Core Values Are Involved – Negotiations May Be More Difficult

When we are in conflict with others we should not focus on beliefs.

How Can You Foster Inclusion at Work?

In today’s rapidly changing fast paced world what does inclusion mean?  Whether this be ethnic, racial, cultural, class, religious, disability, sexual orientation, gender or generational there is a clear focus on diversity in the workplace, but diversity by itself does not mean inclusion.  This article looks at how to go from simply hiring for diversity to inclusion where everyone feels valued.  

How Can You Use BATNA: Even with the IRS?

BATNA is the Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement. So, what is that?

The Power of Thank You in a Negotiation

Being polite and paying attention to social norms is always important, but especially in a negoti

What is the best process when it comes to a negotiation?

Process matters.  Are you a “win all” type negotiator implying win everything at all costs?  That is, you win and they lose.  By contrast, are you a win-win negotiator oriented towards expanding the pie negotiator so that both you and the other party can both do better?  That is focusing on mutual gains.

Profitability and Timing – This is why they matter

I recently finished the book, When, The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, by Daniel H. Pink and then I conducted some additional research on this topic. The commentary that follows is put together in an effort to help you think about timing and how this can impact your and others’ stress and productivity. It also has a direct impact on the bottom line. This also ties into my primary focus on overcoming conflict with collaboration.