The Business World

December 11th, 2023

As a business valuation mediator and negotiator addressing conflicts associated with complex valuations it is inevitable that positions can become entrenched. The process of business valuation often gives rise to challenging disputes that seem insurmountable and intractable with family owned businesses and with federal income tax issues. These conflicts can leave all parties involved feeling stuck, frustrated, and disillusioned. However, addressing these disputes with intellect, creativity, insight, and perception can pave the way to a resolution that not only benefits the parties but also strengthens the foundation of their business relationships.

April 10th, 2023
Man with his mouth open amazed at what he is seeing

Have you been in a negotiation and felt a trigger impact you and begin to raise tension in your body? Would you like to know how to move from this emotionally charged moment to a greater focus leading to a mutually beneficial agreement?  Read on. We are all emotionally charged beings. We need this for survival. However, our brain cannot differentiate between something that is genuinely going to kill us and when something is very negative and may lead to an outcome we prefer did not materialize. When we “flood” with emotions this can derail the negotiation and even make a negotiation impossible at that moment.

February 20th, 2023
A scattering of faces on a blue screen with more concentrated towards the center

What is collaboration versus communication?  Communication involves the sharing of ideas. Collaboration is more than communication. Collaboration involves parties working towards a common goal. If you would like to enhance your skills in this area and need to work with others to work towards a common goal, read on. The idea for this commentary came from a Forbes article entitled “4 tips for building a culture of collaboration within your business”.  This article begins with these four ideas and then I expand upon them to help you and add value going forward.

February 13th, 2023
Four hands coming together with a fist pump

When you think about negotiations, you may think about a lot of things, but have you thought about racism and what it costs? I am not talking simply about bias. I have blogged on Women and Salary Negotiations, Business Valuers, the IRS, and Conflict Resolution – Part 1 and Part 2, Why Emotions Matter in Negotiations, and Conflict and Dispute Resolution in Cross Cultural Negotiations. These and related posts all tie into the cognitive, conscious, and unconscious bias we all have. Have you ever thought how much racial bias is costing our society? It all has to do with the big lie.

January 30th, 2023
Words representing various attitudes

As an experienced mediator and negotiator, I have asked myself this question. Researching it further I wanted to share with you what I have learned. Other experts in the field have offered advice too. Attitudes drive behaviors. There seems to be a consensus that yes, mental attitudes play a critical role in determining whether a mediation or a negotiation is successful. A deeper dive into the process is presented to help you and for you to help others that may be involved with self-determining mediations or negotiations.

October 10th, 2022
two people. One with hands on face and possibly crying. The other has arms crossed

Invariably conflicts or disputes arise between employees for a variety of reasons. Often the best solution is for the two parties to determine how  to work amicably with one another. However, sometimes these issues simmer over time or become caustic in nature. As a manager or peer this can poison a work environment. As a leader you may be called upon to work with the parties to help them come to a solution that everyone as a minimum can live with going forward. The hope would be to come to a solution where everyone is pleased with the final outcome. In reality often times the final solution maybe anywhere between these two extremes. So, how can you do this?

July 18th, 2022
People sitting around a table with one person standing about to take away a signed document

Part of daily work and home life is full of negotiations. When not addressed effectively these can result in conflict, disputes, frustration, and in some cases anger. So, the question becomes how can you truly negotiate and make concessions in a negotiation while de-escalating the situation and working with another party? Four strategies are presented to help you making effective concessions in a negotiation at work or at home.

July 14th, 2021
Older gentleman holding a picture of himself, son, and granchilc

As a qualified mediator that focuses on business valuation issues, I have been brought in many times to assist with conflicts associated with business valuation and family succession issues, when things do not necessarily go as planned. This article focuses on common problems and ways in which a qualified neutral familiar with business valuation can help the parties through this emotional and stressful time. Various parties offer expertise to assist with the process, but in the end a qualified neutral familiar with this process, valuation, and mediation can help resolve painful issues timely with far less emotional and physical resources expended.

May 10th, 2021
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

“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.

May 3rd, 2021
A diverse inclusive look at humanity through black silhouettes standing in front of a blue background

From my series of sessions for CPA societies, associations, and businesses on How to Hire, Train, and Retain the Best Employees, I have also completed additional research on how to create your workforce of the future. Collaboration, listening, and leadership are key to developing your workforce of the future. This article explores some of the key elements for your consideration in the application of The Collaboration Effect.

April 25th, 2021
Frustrated guy with his smart phone to his ear and his other hand on his forehead while he is looking at his laptop

Unmanaged conflict has a significant impact on morale, turn over, and the bottom line. What if you could collaborate constructively instead? Conflicts, disputes, conflict resolution, dispute resolution and healing are key elements to address for effective leadership. Exploring the costs, employees leaving, ongoing implications, your challenges as a leader, and the implications on trust, are things you can address going forward. This article takes a fresh look at this issue and provides you with tools to help you, your team, and your organization. By managing conflict, it is possible to reduce wasted resources, enhance relationships, and be more profitable.

April 17th, 2021
four fist bumps over a table with coffee, smart phones and papers. The four fist bumps represent men, women, and people of color

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.

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