Thoughts and Insights by Michael Gregory

Overcome potential conflicts before the next economic downturn by building collaborative relationships now

The Harvard Business Review (HBR) is suggesting now is the time to plan for the next economic downturn. Leading economic indicators are pointing downward. When an economic downturn takes place and you are in the thick of it, you will need to focus on tactics and day to day operations.  Now is the time to plan, be proactive and collaborate with key stakeholders.

This is how to actively listen in a negotiation

The Collaboration Effect enhances relationshiips, resources and revenues.

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.  

What should you look for in a negotiation coach?

All too often we try to do things by ourselves. The old axiom on the American way is that “we should pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps”. Well that may work well with boots, but it takes a village to enhance skills. This is especially true when it comes to soft skills, or what I refer to as the critical skills.

This is how to negotiate and motivate millennials

This article focuses on some basic elements that have proven successful and are forcing businesses to change how they hire, train and retain top talent. Millennials are driven to succeed when they are treated with respect, with an employer that is focused on its workers, with management is transparent and most importantly when there is a collaborative environment. It’s not that complex, but it takes effort to make these things happen. It doesn’t just happen.

Here are three great ideas to help you in a negotiation

You have read about negotiation. You have practiced techniques. You are prepared. You have researched the other party on social media. You are ready to work on developing a great relationship. You believe you are ready to actively listen before beginning to educate the other party. You are looking for a win-win negotiation so that you can create value. Here are three other items to allow you to step up your game.

Want to know how to turn a crises with another party into a collaboration?

This article addresses how to turn a crises into a collaboration. We can learn from hostage negotiators and their success rate is phenomenal. So what can you do to help yourself when you feel like you are in a crises with someone else?

Ten Steps for an Interest-Based Resolution

From the book Peaceful Resolutions a summary of one of the steps to resolving conflict is a free six sided pocket guide (that fits in your pocket).  One of the six sides of the tri-fold pocket guide offers Ten Steps for an Interest-Based Resolution.  This 10 step summary process is elaborated on in this text. 

What are the right kind of questions to ask in a negotiation?

In a negotiation each party enters into the negotiation with a position and series of interests. How we explore those interests goes a long way towards reaching a mutually acceptable alternative with the other party. Asking key questions appropriately makes a real difference in the outcome.

Five tips to help resolve conflicts with customers and staff

As someone who concentrates on resolving conflict, negotiating winning solutions and inspiring leaders I want to offer you some relatively simple tips to help make the start of the new year better for you related to potential conflicts with customers and staff. You are not alone. Consider this commentary and reach out to mentors to explore how these or similar ideas may work best for you in your situation.