Michael H. Smith, Ph.D. - Conflict Management and Productivity Improvement

When Organizations Need Help...

Michael H. Smith, Ph.D. and Associates is called into organizations where people are pessimistic and angry, morale is low and productivity is suffering. Here are a few examples:

a law firm where an attorney went public and accused the managing partner of criminal activity;
a laboratory where mistrust and lack of cooperation had roots for more than a decade;
an Executive Team in a high tech company whose lack of agreement on company goals caused them to continually miss crucial market deadlines;
a public works agency where supervisors and crews took sides and actively and dangerously sabotaged each other.

We assess the situation, facilitate changes and get tangible and measurable results. Let me describe some successes.

The President of a major footwear company was concerned that sales were flat and her executives were not operating as a team. We were able to refocus the company mission and sales doubled within 8 months.
A government executive was about to be appointed to a vacant elective post. He was opposed by his top manager. We were called in to resolve the dispute and the agency saved $100,000 by not conducting a special election.
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Philosophy/Style

We approach these difficult situations with extreme sensitivity, empathy and compassion. People are tense and stressed and although for many the decision to ask for help has created relief, has also created great fear and vulnerability. Will I be embarrassed? What will others think? Will this effort help? are concerns that are raised.

We attempt to empathize, reassure and provide immediate relief. We also have a basic rule to "do no harm;" that is we will not leave a situation worse then when we entered.

The specific steps in the process are:

Phase 1. Assessing
We attempt to find out the causes of the problem, usually through individual interviews. During this process we build trust, gather data, and suggest methods for people to approach solving problems. We then prepare a brief report with a suggested action plan.

Phase 2. Diffusing
During this phase we focus on diffusing the hostility. We create a climate of emotional safety, and explore forgiveness(Four R's) and what it means to let go and move on. This also includes learning to understand different behavioral styles, nondefensively discuss issues and to search for areas of agreement.

Phase 3. Problem Solving
During this phase we attempt to address the specific work issues such as clarifying goals, agreeing on values, establishing teamwork, enhancing leadership.

Detailed information on our Consultation Services

Detailed information on our Training Services

Detailed information on our Executive Coaching

The Next Step

For additional information on our services, please explore our complete web site using the links below. Or you may contact us by email or telephone for a complimentary consultation.

Michael H. Smith, Ph.D.
5801 Leona St., Ste A
Oakland, CA 94605

Tel: 510-530-7900
Fax: 510-530-7922
Email: MHSmith@MichaelHSmithPhD.Com