Thoughts and Insights by Michael Gregory

Does Conflict Resolution Really Work at Work?

Whenever two people are involved with anything, it is only natural to expect that at some point there may be different perspectives that could lead to conflict. This is only natural. We often think if I could make all of the decisions, the world would be a better place. Then we reflect and realize I don’t have all the answers. We need others and we need their ideas. This article focuses on different types of conflict resolution at work.

Move out of your comfort zone to move into the learning zone with a new job

Thomas Edison stated, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”.  Most of us don’t have that kind of patience. On the other hand, what risks are you willing to take? Do you trust yourself to accept change or failure and move on?  Do you see change or failure as a learning tool to help you expand your horizons, or something that holds you back?  Let’s address these items to help you move out of your comfort zone and move into the learning zone. This article will focus on learning to find a better employer and/or boss going forward unless you are there already.  One of my mantras to my employees was to begin to prepare for your next job now. That’s because it probably does not even exist yet today, but it will within the next five years.

How to Avoid Conflict in Family Business Succession Planning

According to the Harvard Law Program on Negotiation there are three kinds of conflict in business and how to avoid them.  These are: Intercultural Conflict: Be Careful Not to Stereotype Conflict with Friends and Family: Discuss Difficult Issues Up Front Workplace Conflict: Test Your Assumptions and Choose a Role This article will focus on exiting family businesses addressing both the family and the workplace conflict issues. Keep in mind the exit planning may involve selling to the next generation, to another buyer, going public, an Employees Stock Option Plan, or something else. To keep it simple the scenario that follows assumes a transition to a next generation family member.  Keep in mind there are a host of other issues too. For example, are the existing owners going to remain working, be advisors, be on a real board of directors, be on an advisory board, have employment contracts, covenants not to compete and a host of other issues. These issues go beyond the scope of this commentary.

The importance of building a connection in a negotiation

After defining the problem correctly, the next most important aspect in a negotiation to ensure t

Here are six tips to make you an extremely successful negotiator

Here are six tips to make you an extremely successful negotiator. Essentially you need to manage your own emotions, develop trust, focus on interests, apply appreciation, make your message positive, and work towards positive closure. This article focuses on how to carry out each of these elements to make you an extremely successful negotiator. If you take these to heart and not only read the material by make a point to carry out these steps in a negotiation, you well be more successful.

How Do You Negotiate Closure in a Negotiation?

Closure is not an add on at the end.

Want to be an outstanding communicator? Close your mouth.

It sounds to easy, but really the best communicators know when to keep their mouths shut and really listen. Rather than trying to promote themselves, an idea or a position, they focus on truly trying to understand. Sometimes we simply need to be heard. Often times that is the best solution to simply listen to the other party and help them to sort out their solution.

The who, what, when, where, why and how of negotiations

Have you ever thought about the tactics from beginning to end that are involved with a negotiation? This article starts with the very beginning in mind to set you up for success and then explores value added techniques, how to influence the outcome and how to protect yourself during a negotiation.

This is how to improve your day based on 10 tips from neuroscience

Do you want to feel better, be more productive and have more fun?  Researching some recent articles and blogs I wanted to share some great ideas with you. Here is a list of ten items of relatively simple activities that any of us could apply to improve our day. See if any of these may work for you. You don’t have to take on the entire list. See if one or two might work for you.  If any of these work for you simply write them down and test them out as action item(s) to improve your day.

This is how to overcome rivalry, competition, and tribalism in negotiations

In today’s world with deep seated divisions in Washington we don’t have to look far to see nightly news with antagonistic implications as examples of unhealthy competition and rivalries. This situation gives rise to unethical and unhealthy behaviors. This is bad for relationships and business transactions too. So, what should we do when hard ball tactics are applied in negotiations?