Commentary

8 Ways to Make Your Life Better: The Basics of Gina School

April 17, 2020 By Fort Collins Mediation

The first rule of Gina School surrounds answering the popular interview question, “What is your biggest weakness?” Many individuals respond that they work too hard, or give another similar answer. These common answers end up showing that you actually don’t work hard, since you’ve used one of the most common lines as your response, without putting any thought into it. The second rule-of-thumb is to always memorize the names of people you are in close contact with each day. Avoiding excuses such as you’re bad with names will show others that they are important to you.

Key Takeaways:

When you go to a job interview think critically about what your greatest flaw is, know what matters, and read more about the issues.
It is critical to know the names of the people you interact with regularly because not knowing their names is a sign of laziness.
It is easy to make people feel miserable, but it takes real talent to lift other people up and make them feel better.

“The concept of Gina School was introduced into a recent conversation between another young woman, the daughter of a good friend, at an elegant dinner celebrating the anniversary of her parents.”

Self-Scrutiny and Bipolar Disorder: A Unique Necessity

April 15, 2020 By Fort Collins Mediation

For those who suffer from bipolar disorder, it is important to be both self-aware and self-monitoring. Many with bipolar disorder are placed on medications to help with the mood fluctuations. Dosages can change over time, and for some, upping or lowering the dosage can eliminate symptoms or worsen symptoms. In order to know the best way to regulate symptoms, it’s important for the individual to take note of the impact of these medication changes. All people respond differently and there is not a one size fits all model when treating bipolar disorder.

Key Takeaways:

Although lithium may be essential for those undergoing severe mood shifts, particularly if combined with suicidal tendencies, it does have emotional side effects.
Lithium users that have shifted from a higher to a lower dosage report a feeling of being less emotionally blunted, more present.
Although the shift to greater emotional awareness is a good feeling, it can be hard to relax into it, knowing that a manic phase can change everythung, including dosing.

“Group member one recently had her lithium prescription changed to a lower dose”

Teen Girls and Dating? Nope. Never. No Way. Okay, Maybe.

April 13, 2020 By Fort Collins Mediation

There are several rules and tactics one can use when allowing their daughter to date. It is important establish boundaries while at the same time encouraging freedom for decision making. This is about foster a positive social development. First it helps to actively communicate with your daughter to understand their feelings on dating. This includes active listening and non-judgmental advice. It is important to establish rules like group outings versus one-on-one scenarios. Sometimes it helps to chaperone activities until the right stage of maturity.

Key Takeaways:

One on one dating is too much too soon and too stressful for most 14 yr. olds. But a group date can be fun and take a lot of the pressure of for the daters and the parents.
As a concerned parent it may be acceptable to chaperone a younger group of teens. Just remember to give them space and stay behind and not try to be a buddy.
It’s important to stay calm and non-judgmental when entering the ‘so you want to date talk.’ It’s very important to define dating, as your idea and your daughter’s may be very different.

“When you sense an opportunity, talk to her about the dangers of dating, including violence (which, by the way is just as likely to be initiated by girls as by boys).”

Take Charge of Your Own Leadership Development

April 11, 2020 By Fort Collins Mediation

There are several ways one can increase their capacity in leadership. The first step in becoming a better leader is to do a better job of time management with oneself. Next interpersonal skills are key to leadership development. The ability to successfully execute your processes often depends on how you interact with your reports. It helps to reconsider your decision styles to tailor it to the situation. Developing a good ability to delegate responsibility is key in being able to manage a large group of people. It is important not to forget the ethical concerns that come with leadership as they can have long lasting impact.

Key Takeaways:

It may not be as popular as weight loss and revenue increasing, but developing better interpersonal skills is a worthy resolution as well.
Consider reading some relevant articles and books that deal specifically with self-management and leadership skills.
One highly important skill to consider developing is the ability to move past micro-management to become better at delegating.

“Being a good decision maker means being thorough and unbiased, especially for decisions important to both performance and people.”

Letting Our Love Flow Into the World

April 9, 2020 By Fort Collins Mediation

Many people such as Linda believe that suffering is unnecessary. When we find ourselves struggling with our interpersonal relationships, we have the ability to zero in on areas that we could work on and at least reduce distress. An important part of developing a deep and intimate connection is by working on these issues, and then finding a way to attain mutual trust and respect within the relationship in order to let your love flow through the world.

Key Takeaways:

As one relationship booster explains it, if you can get to a place where work and play are the same thing, it’s magical.
Past the personal growth stage, past the creativity stage lies the co-creative stage of creating creativity together.
One couple found that group seminars during key points of their relationship, particularly crisis points, were a vital key.

“We have co-created a relationship that is a holy sanctuary from the harshness that the larger world can often be.”

Are Women From Venus and Men From Mars?

April 7, 2020 By Fort Collins Mediation

A recent study took 143 different Fortune 500 companies and looked at how more or less successful a company is when women join the team. The results showed that when a higher number of women are on board, social issues tend to move higher within the corporate agenda as opposed to when the board is dominated by men. Experts in various industries claim that women are more likely to put tasks within a larger framework, which leads to higher success rates.

Key Takeaways:

There is debate on the merits of adding women to key leadership roles and the organization’s resultant shift to social issues.
Prime examples of women in key leadership roles that have addressed growing social issues are Ursula Von der Leyen and Christine Lagarde, President.
Studies like one of fortune 500 companies demonstrated increased attention to social issues in the company as women obtained key leadership roles.

“A study of the annual reports of 143 Fortune 500-listed companies shows that social (non-financial) issues move up the corporate agenda when more women join the board.”

Divided We Fall

April 5, 2020 By Fort Collins Mediation

Since the popular vote to leave the European Union was revealed, many UK residents have felt a sense of division in the country. There seems to have been invisible groups formed where some are remainers, and some are leavers. Our inherent desire to join groups such as the leavers or remainers is one that dates back since the beginning of time. We often place ourselves into groups based on characteristics that define us such as religion or political stances.

Key Takeaways:

In the winter of 2019, one Brit was sad to note that a schism between Brexit supporters and detractors was causing real ongoing friction.
The Brit took note that Brexit supporters were regularly reviled as xenophobes, whereas those that wished to remain were called “remoaners.”
Although enmity between differing groups is a historical fact, the British Psychological Society member, Steve Taylor, felt that such a rift had not been the norm since the British Civil War.

“Most conflicts in history have been fought between groups who define themselves as different to one another, due to religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs.”

How To Answer The ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Question In A Job Interview

April 3, 2020 By Fort Collins Mediation

One common interview question that leaves candidates stumped is “Tell me about yourself.” Rather than regurgitating whatever information is on the applicants resume, the applicant should formulate a story that differentiates themselves from the rest of the field. They should give a clear and concise answer about how the company will be better off in the long run if they were hired, as opposed to other candidates. They should also do their research on the company, using important factors where appropriate.

Key Takeaways:

During an interview, treat yourself like a business and pitch yourself as the ideal candidate for the position.
Don’t repeat what’s already on your resume in the interview, as the interviewer already has access to this knowledge.
In order to differentiate yourself from the rest of the candidates, create a clear story of how the company will be better off if you’re hired.

“This common question is actually a critical test of a job candidate’s communication skills, so you don’t want to wing it or screw it up.”

Silence of the Klaw: Trauma and Emotional Processing

April 1, 2020 By Fort Collins Mediation

Los Angeles Clippers basketball star, Kawhi Leonard, is known for his stoic demeanor on the court. Whether the team wins on a last-minute shot, or they lose in heartbreaking fashion, he seems to exude the same emotions. Recent research has shown that Leonard’s lack of emotional fluctuation may stem from childhood trauma. When Kawhi was 16, his father was murdered in Compton, California. Therefore, his lack of response to positive events may be a result of this incident.

Key Takeaways:

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard may lack emotional awareness on the court due to trauma experienced in his teenage years.
Leonard’s father was murdered in Compton, California when Kawhi was just sixteen years old.
Studies have shown that those who experience trauma showed less of an emotional response to positive rewards than those who did not.

“Research shows that childhood trauma has a lasting impact on an adult’s life.”

Technology and the Road to Self-Improvement

March 31, 2020 By Fort Collins Mediation

We use a bunch of applications on our phone and computer to help us manage things such as our weight, our sleep patterns and our finances. This technology sector is predicted to continue to increase as the global E Market market is expected to reach over 325 billion dollars by the year 2025. Technological advances are great because they allow us to learn more about so many different type of things, but with those advancements we have seen some negative implications and effects on society as well.

Key Takeaways:

Applications on our phones and computers can help us manage money, lose weight and even help us sleep better.
The global E Learning market is predicted to continue to increase and reach over 325 billions dollar of value by the year 2025.
All of this technology should continue to better our life but it could have some negative societal implications as well.

“No longer must you have the good fortune of economic and social capital in order to gain access to premium-branded learning opportunities”