Blog | MikeGreg.com

Working with Difficult People

A handshake with a host of small characters above the hands standing on top of the handshake

November 22nd, 2021

How to avoid conflict in negotiations

Understanding the roles and relationships in negotiations is critical for complex negotiations to avoid conflict. By taking the time to prepare each member of the negotiation to understand and fulfill their respective responsibilities is critical. As the negotiation unfolds members can adjust and modify their role as required in a negotiation based on their research and how the negotiation unfolds. There are steps you can take to avoid certain types of conflict in a negotiation. These are explored in this commentary.

Woman with facial expression an body language that shows annoyed

September 6th, 2021

This is how to prevent a high conflict employee from draining energy from you and your team

As a leader and manager your role is to promote productivity, be there to help, and support your team. So, what happens when an unhealthy conflict emerges. An unhealthy conflict erodes trust, drains you and your team members of energy, and takes time away from you and team members to address these concerns. When this happens this lowers morale. People respond in various ways including shutting down, becoming angry, not collaborating, looking out for themselves, reducing business metrics, lowering customer satisfaction, and disenfranchising others. This can become contagious. What can you do? That is the focus on this commentary.

Only seeing the hands and a table with two people across from each other and one pointing a pen down while holding a paper with writing on it in the other hand

July 24th, 2021

Do’s and Don’ts with tough Conversations

A difficult conversation can be something that makes you anxious or gives you stress. Everyone has difficult conversations The question is, what should you not do and what should you do when faced with a tough conversation. This could be personnel matter, a conduct issue, a reprimand, a transfer, a termination, or any of a host of difficult conversations. As an author that specializes in conflict resolution and collaboration, here are some observations to help you.

June 25th, 2021

This is how to neutralize negativity for collaboration

How can you neutralize negativity where you work?

Man talking on the phone looking away from us

June 6th, 2021

This is how to resolve remote conflicts at work

With people working remotely the opportunity for miscommunication, misunderstanding, and conflict is greater. Avoiding these types of conflicts and addressing these types of conflicts appropriately and timely is key to promote alignment and collaboration. What follows explores the situation and provides some insights to help you in these situations.

A blue thumbs up "me" and red thumbs down "them"

May 24th, 2021

This is how can you collaborate with people you do not like at work

You may have to work with someone you don not like. So how can you work with difficult people, overcome any disputes or conflicts, and work collaboratively with one another? This may involve listening, empathy, and leadership on your part. This may involve some self-examination to see if maybe you might be part of the problem. This article explores a number of areas for you to consider so that can work collaboratively with people you do not like. In the end we all have to sometimes work with people we would really rather not have to work with, but the task has to be completed and you going to have work this with that person. So now what do you do?

An image of man and a woman on opposite sides of a table and in place of heads they have megaphones yelling at each other

May 10th, 2021

This is how you persuade the unpersuadable

“Many ideas grow better when transplanted into another mind than the one they sprang up” Oliver Wendell Holmes This quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes is directly on point to the subject of this commentary. Do you have to work with arrogant, egotistical, narcissistic, controlling, or disagreeable people? Then read on. Collaboration is key. Address conflict. The ideas presented here are based on neuroscience and psychology with direct actionable alternatives you can apply at work and in life.

four fist bumps over a table with coffee, smart phones and papers. The four fist bumps represent men, women, and people of color

April 17th, 2021

Take advantage of The Collaboration Effect

I would like to explain the three elements of The Collaboration Effect to address both conflicts and collaboration. Is conflict blocking your results? Would you like to be more productive, more profitable, and have more pleasure? Then you will want to take advantage of The Collaboration Effect by connecting relationships, listening actively, and educating judiciously to build bridges and negotiate closure. The Collaboration Effect enhances relationships, resources, and results. In other words, by taking advantage of The Collaboration Effect you will be better as a person, your firm will perform better, you will be able to interact better with difficult people, and you will have better results with others with improved collaboration.

Four people at the end of a table having a lively discussion

February 21st, 2021

Mediation for eight possible business scenarios

Mediation is a tool that may be used to help resolve issues and conflict in the workplace. Mediation by a trained and qualified mediator can save time, money, mental toil, and resources. A mediator’s collaborative style allows the parties to determine the outcome. The process allows for creativity. The parties explore the issues, feelings, and interests of everyone involved. The following commentary presents eight possible scenarios associated with work and businesses.

Share the road sign with a bicycle above it

February 6th, 2021

Mediation and the conflict resolution process

The may informally only need to address two parties exploring the facts, issues, feeling around those issues, and interests. More formal conflict resolution processes may involve mediation, arbitration, or litigation associated with dispute resolution. Alternative dispute resolution techniques are introduced, with an emphasis placed on mediation. Mediation is a rapidly growing alternative for those looking for assistance on addressing issues. When the parties want some help, want closure sooner, want to expend less resources, and want to be part of the decision-making process instead of having a decision imposed by a third party, mediation may be the answer.

Thoughts and Insights by Michael Gregory

Categories

Join My Newsletter