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An expensive truth is that conflict is present in every workplace. It is the single most preventable cause of lost revenue, costing US employers well over a billion dollars every year.
Even simple conflicts involving single employees can easily expand throughout entire teams or units. The resulting environment can profoundly impact (more…)
A litigated conflict looked at through the eye of a mediator.
A couple purchased a used 2006 Ford Explorer from an established dealership. At time of purchase the couple report they noticed a slight odor but that it was not significant enough to affect their purchase decision. However, over the following 3 months the couple reports that the odor increased (more…)
Notre Dame University football coach Brian Kelly made news early in the season when cameras caught him yelling at his players in a rage during a game. Looking at the exchange from a workplace communication perspective it is easy to see that the University’s employee, Coach Kelly, should not be yelling at students – regardless of the fact that they are football players. However, it seems that since a game is at stake, many – including the university (more…)
Zappos, the online shoe retailer, has gotten a great deal of press lately – and not just for their shoes. For their corporate culture.
Zappos is a model employer. Employees are happy working there and are not shy about it. The organization strives to staff itself with people who support the core values, and even offers $3000 to new hires to quit if they do not think (more…)
Playing out in a Southern California courtroom is a family elder care drama that is all too common. The ultimate decision rests with the lawyers and a judge, not the family or the person most involved: Etta James.
In this elder care case: The 73-year-old inimitable blues singer Etta James is suffering from dementia and leukemia. Her husband of 41 years and her son from a previous (more…)
An important aspect of communication is how the words are spoken, not just what is said.
Often the words alone carry the bulk of the message and are the most important part of the communication. However, in communications that are emotional in nature, such as those involving conflict, the words used are only a part of what is being communicated. The total communication (more…)
One of the most popular news stories of the day is a that of a committed and vocal congressman. Previously known for his passionate speeches on the floor and confrontational style, Anthony Weiner is now known as the congressman who accidentally outed his secret activities through Twitter.
The story is a perfect example of our desire for a judgment or determination of right/wrong. Congressman (more…)
Georgia megachurch leader Bishop Eddie Long and the four young men that filed suit against him for sexual misconduct have successfully reached a settlement through mediation.
The parties agreed to mediate in December of 2010. The initial mediation session was held in February and full resolution was reached within a few months. (more…)
What makes an ideal employee. It can seem to have a clear answer. A good employee is someone who works hard and supports the success of the workplace. Someone who always engages in appropriate workplace behavior. Managers want dedicated employees that put the employer first – right? Employees are supposed to “go the extra mile” and maintain a positive attitude at work. The ideal employee always enthusiastically gives a little extra. (more…)
Illinois’ civil union law will be in effect June 1, 2011. The law gives gay and lesbian couples the same rights as heterosexual married couples. This means that gay and lesbian couples who have committed to one another through the closest option to marriage legally available in Illinois – a state recognized civil union – should be able to adopt through state-sponsored adoption agencies.
In Illinois, Catholic Charities’ foster care and adoption programs serve more than 3,000 children, which is approximately twenty percent (20%) of services. These programs are largely funded by the state of Illinois, who pays Catholic Charities $30 million annually. (more…)
