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Have a Better Conversation
Though it’s called “small talk” there’s nothing small about it when it comes to a negotiation or mediation (or any other situation where you’re trying to build rapport). If you’re going to have a...
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You Won’t Be Able to Take Care of Others if You Don’t Take Care of Yourself
It’s your obligation to support your family, as well as do well at your job and to take care of your clients. While pursuing these goals and responsibilities are you making the time and effort to take...
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“No” May Be the Most Liberating Word in the English Language
Whether it’s another activity your child wants to get involved with, a dinner out with your spouse’s friend who you really don’t like or a client that wants you to do something unethical, sometimes...
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Can You Hear Me Now? Working With People Who Don’t Listen
Trying to communicate with someone so focused on themselves that they simply don’t listen just adds to your already stressful day. Whether it’s a colleague, client or opposing counsel, they might...
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Be Assertive Without Being Rude
A negotiation or mediation requires a degree of mutual understanding, a willingness to compromise and to be open to the needs of the other side. As warm and fuzzy as this sounds this doesn’t mean...
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You Just Want to Get It Done: How to Follow Up to Get a Response Quickly
You may want or need to accomplish something, but that’s dependent on getting information or an action by another party. That may be a client, a colleague or opposing counsel. How do you get another...
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How to Think Positively Every Day
Thinking more positively can impact your work and personal life. Thinking this way doesn’t mean living a fantasy life and avoiding problems or cutting yourself off from the rest of the commonly less...
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Having a Hard Time Communicating? Maybe it’s You.
Ever have days when you think you must be talking to yourself because no one else seems to be listening? Whether it’s your child, boss or client, do you think your message is having a hard time...
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Mediation’s Higher Calling: Feel the Love
There are many benefits to mediation, including spiritual and emotional, according to a piece in Mediate written by Dr. Denisha Shah. Attorneys who use the mediation process may focus on the more...
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How Good is Your EAR?
No one is perfect. We all get upset. But some of us get upset more often than others. If that person is the client or the person you’re dealing with “EAR Statements” may help, according to an article...
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Nonverbal Communication Can Speak Louder Than Words
Negotiation and mediation are all about communication. You need to send explicit, consistent messages. It’s not just your words that are communicating; it’s your body language. If your body and mouth...
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How to Become Better at Conversations
Conversations are the social lubricant that makes relationships, moving ahead professionally, generating new clients and settling lawsuits easier. Whether it’s a general “get to know you” conversation...
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Are You Heading in the Right Direction?
Whether it’s your life in general or a negotiation in particular if you’re not heading in the right direction you need to change. If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing you need to do is stop...
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Earth to Client, this is Reality Calling
At times, attorneys need to deliver bad news. Maybe things didn’t go according to plan or maybe the client’s case isn’t worth nearly what he thinks it is. Discovery went sideways, the other party’s...
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Improve the Chances Your Mediation Will Be a Success
The vast majority of legal disputes aren’t ended as a result of a trial. At some point the parties reach a mutually agreeable compromise and the dispute is resolved. Mediation is one way to help...
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Be a Better Attorney By Being a Better Communicator
As an attorney, you’re not paid just to think deep legal thoughts. You have to communicate with colleagues, your clients, opposing counsel and other parties. You might do a better job of it if you...
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How to Better Handle a Stressful Situation
What fun would it be for an attorney to have a job with less stress? Give it a try and see for yourself. Attorneys are famous for their stressful jobs, but there are steps you can take to turn it down...
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When You Need to Bear Bad News
If not for someone’s bad news there would be no legal profession and sometimes you’re the one who needs to deliver it. There are better and worse ways to do it. The Muse’s article on delivering bad...
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Building Successful Networking Relationships
Making a positive first impression is important but it won’t seal the deal. Many sales and deals are lost due to a lack of building relationships through good old-fashioned follow up and relationship...
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You can’t take back what’s been said – the Wisdom of the Ancients and Mom
A recent article in Lifehacker quotes the Ancients to remind us about a timeless topic: “Better to trip with the feet than with the tongue.” Chances are you heard this wise advice from your Mom when...
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