What's Happening In Conflict Resolution [01.20.15]

"What's Happening in Conflict Resolution" is a weekly round up of the all the ADR news, jobs, events and more. Check it out each week and view past versions [HERE].

Veteran UN negotiator: World body outdated, hasn’t solved a single conflict since 1992

Sophie Shevarnadze- In the 21st century, terrorism has become the new reality. What has for a long time been seen as something going on far, far away, has now knocked at the doors of everyone in the world. No country in the Americas, Europe or Asia, or any other corner of the world is safe. Hostage situations and terrorist attacks are everyday occurrences on the news. Powerful terrorist groups even compete for the amount of horror they create in the world. Is there a place now for diplomacy? Could negotiations save lives? And what does it mean to be a negotiator in the heart of conflict? We ask these questions to a veteran UN negotiator and former UN Assistant Secretary-General. Giandomenico Picco is on Sophie&Co today.

Read more and watch the video at RT.com [HERE].

Follow @SophieCo_RT

3 Things About Negotiating Your Boss Doesn't Want You To Know

JACQUELYN SMITH- For many professionals, the idea of engaging in a negotiation is so intimidating that they just skip it altogether.

But if you really, truly believe you deserve more money, a title promotion, or better working arrangements, you need to ask (and sometimes fight) for it.

In a recent LinkedIn post, author and negotiation consultant Victoria Pynchon laid out five surprising facts "your bargaining partner hopes you don't understand."

Here are a few things your boss will never tell you about how to negotiate successfully.

1. The negotiation doesn't start until someone says "no."

Read [more].

The "WHY AXIS"- The Data Behind Certain Myths

The Olive Branch Blog- I’ve always been a sucker for “Freakonomics” type books, and I recently read one that, frankly, opened my eyes quite a bit. Titled, “The Why Axis,” this book is all about the data behind certain myths. And, the authors tackled one of the biggest myths out there: Women aren’t as competitive as men.

The idea that women are inherently less competitive as men is something I’ve wondered about ever since my first child was born. She is EXTRAORDINARILY competitive, to the point she will make anything a competition: who can eat dinner fastest? Who can run to the car first? Who can beat up our little brother the best? (I’m kidding about this one).

Read more [HERE].

Managing and Measuring the Customer Experience with Mystery Shopping

Patricia M Porter- Mystery shopping can help companies avoid conflict - and negative customer experiences - before it becomes an issue. If you've ever found yourself wondering if mystery shopping is too good to be true, join us in a discussion with Rich Bradley, MSPA-NA Board President to learn the facts. Rich Bradley will explain what mystery shopping is, what it is not, how to avoid scams, and how a business can benefit from measuring their customer experience.