Mediating Solutions

Communication - Teamwork - Productivity

Greetings!        

 

When speaking with others about recent news stories, I am often reminded of my unique perspective on human interactions. In between the lines of the "breaking news", I hear tales of conflict left unresolved and the unfortunate result of that on-going tension.  In this edition, our Featured Business Article focuses on those issues. I share my insights about the reasons these conflicts erupt into violence, and offer ideas about where to start managing workplace (and other team-involved) conflicts.

 

On a lighter note, we've included an article on ways to have fun at work, and our own Personal Matters article centers on ways to better manage stress and offers up strategies for what I call a 'mini-vacation'. You're sure to enjoy both of these.  

 

Other links and stories focus on both personal and professional ideas for "Spring Cleaning", and offer help for this tax season.     

 

Finally, I'm conducting a series of programs with Labor and Employment attorney Mary Lee Wegner. Our programs, held over dinner, discuss common workplace issues from both a legal and interpersonal perspective.  We hope you'll check them out.

 

As always, we hope you enjoy our newsletter and share it with others.  Please contact us if we can be of service to you. 

 

All the best,  

Signature 

Featured Business Article
by Candice Gottlieb-Clark

Stop Workplace Violence - Abandon the "Wait and See" Approach

     

In mid-February a shooting broke out in Long Beach, California between two high ranking ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents during a performance review. A month earlier, an employee of McBride Lumber in North Carolina shot four of his co-workers, killing three of them, before killing himself.

 

Workplace violence of this sort makes headlines because it is rare and because it is shocking. But the issues which lead to such outward demonstrations of hostility are not rare. These acts of violence are not random. While they may not always be pre-meditated, they are brought about by a history of tensions and anger between specific individuals in the workplace.  Read more 

 

Personal Matters

by Candice Gottlieb-Clark

 

Feeling Overstressed? Try a mini-vacation

 

Whether it's the pressures of work, the demands of our personal lives, a sudden crisis, or the on-going and chronic problems we must work through, most of us feel stressed and tense on a regular basis. What we need is a vacation; A break from it all. Unfortunately a true vacation is often not practical or possible. And, it often provides only a temporary fix before the stressors return.

 

My solution to this is the mini-vacation. A special break that can be enjoyed in just a few minutes - often all that we can spare. Better yet, the mini-vacation is easily cost-free. The important part is that it is scheduled - like a vacation, and is undisturbed "you" time.  Following are some ideas Read more  

From Aicpa.org

Ten Tax Tips for Small Businesses

 

Some small business owners think there's only one word (or at least the only one that can be mentioned here) when it comes to filing federal taxes: confusion.  

 

The American Institute of CPAs says the truth is that there are ten words you have to keep in mind in order to be sure you pay no more taxes than you're legally required to pay.  Read more 

From Inc.com 

Having Fun at Work Increases Productivity

 

How often when you leave your home for the office do you think, "I'm going to have fun today"?  Sad, isn't it?

 

It doesn't have to be that way. My company has won Best Place to Work in Houston, and I think a big part of it is that we know how to have fun on the job. And why not? Everyone is happier and more productive when they have fun together. 

 

And what some leaders don't understand is that when people are not having fun, they're tense. Then as a result of the paralysis, they can't make decisions-and studies have shown that when you're paralyzed, you're incapable of being creative.   Read more 


Curious about our services and training programs? 

At Mediating Solutions we team with business owners, Human Resource departments, and C-suite professionals to provide services and programs that improve workplace relations, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and provide for improved skills in communication and conflict resolution.

Services Include*:
  • Mediation/Conflict Resolution
  • Group Facilitation and Problem Solving
  • Executive/Leadership Coaching
  • Training and Corporate Retreats
We are happy to meet with you to discuss ideas for improving your work environment, company culture, and employee relations.

*For more details on our programs and services, please visit our website or contact us at (818) 400-5670.

 

March/April 2012

    Volume 2, Issue 8       

Candice Gottlieb-Clark   

 

Candice Gottlieb-Clark

President

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In This Issue
Featured Business Article
"Personal Matters"
Tax Help for Small Businesses
Have Fun at Work
Our Upcoming Program

 __________________  

 

 Our Dinner Program is a Hit! 

 

I am pleased to announce that my colleague, Mary Lee Wegner, Esq. and I will be holding our next training and educational dinner program on May 31.

 

The program, geared toward Human Resource professionals, and small business owners will be focused on Employees: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

  

This will be a  small-group program to allow for skill building, encourage sharing and provide opportunities for Q&A 

 

We are seeking 2.0 hours HRCI credits for this program. 

 

We expect this program to sell-out, so reserve your spot today!

 

 

For more details about the program and it's content:  

More Information 

      

 __________________   

SPRING CLEANING  

 

Spring Cleaning is not just for your home.  Here are some great ways to tackle your career and your business.

 


__________________ 

 

Is being problem focused draining your energy?  This article by Christine Comaford helps you to

 

 See Into Your Biggest Blind Spot

 

There are so many things throughout the day that can prevent you from being productive, such as multi-tasking, continually checking emails, etc. Here are some great tips from a "project management blackbelt"

 

7 Things Highly Productive People Do 

 

__________________

 

From NYTimes.com

How to Diagnose What's Wrong With Your Business

    

Running a business is an ongoing struggle but this checklist can help you to stay on track:

 

 10-Step Diagnostic for Your Company 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for reading our Newsletter! 


  

   

 If you have any comments or questions, or if we can 

assist you in any way, please contact us.

 

 

Mediating Solutions

11684 Ventura Blvd. #239

Studio City, CA  91604

(818) 400-5670