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Third Ear Conflict Resolution

Sustainable dispute resolution for high-stakes workplaces

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small business owners

Why “Nice” Bosses Experience Team Friction

Nance Schick · Jun 29, 2026 ·

Photo of smiling boss bumping elbows with smiling employee while co-worker smiles

When I was first promoted at United Parcel Service (UPS) in 1989, I got exceptional management training, including on how to rely less on being nice and more on being clear. I was grateful for that …

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Case Study: Why Brook Stopped Winning

Nance Schick · Apr 13, 2026 ·

Photo of hand writing "Win Win" in black marker on a clear board

Brook had done everything right. He was highly educated, successful, and respected—until his business partnership dissolved. For many in the "business sandwich generation," a loss like this isn't just …

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How to Identify a True Independent Contractor

Nance Schick · Nov 10, 2025 ·

Photo of frustrated employer facing worker misclassification penalties

DISCLAIMER: This post provides a general overview of employment conflicts that might arise when working with independent contractors. It is not legal advice. If you require information or advice …

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How to Deal with Frequent Change

Nance Schick · Oct 20, 2025 ·

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Frequent change is an inevitable part of life, but recently, it feels more frequent and unpredictable than ever. As professionals striving to excel—whether we're licensed professionals, managers, …

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How to HAQ Political Conflicts

Nance Schick · Oct 13, 2025 ·

Photo of maroon stethoscope and chalkboard reading "Health Insurance"

You might have seen that I went to Capitol Hill, was on the Tradeoffs podcast, and spoke to the Washington Post about my challenges with the Affordable Care Act. Without the Extended Premium Tax …

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Ms. Schick Goes to Washington–to Advocate for Small Business Health Insurance

Nance Schick · Sep 15, 2025 ·

Photo of congressional staffers in EPTC briefing on Capitol Hill

There's an old movie titled Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. In it, Jimmy Stewart plays an idealistic youth leader named Jefferson Smith who is unexpectedly appointed to the United States Senate. He …

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Helping Upjourney Readers Write an Apology Letter

Nance Schick · Jun 2, 2025 ·

Coworkers holding hands and raising them between them as the sun sets in the background.

Having contributed to prior Upjourney articles on apologies and letting go, I was later asked how to write an apology letter to a friend. This is my response. Consider a Phone Call Although I …

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Law, Ethics, and Compassion in the Funeral Profession

Nance Schick · May 5, 2025 ·

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Like law, the funeral profession serves people in their most vulnerable moments. Loved ones of those who have died rely on the integrity and professionalism of those guiding them through grief …

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How to Cultivate Employment Partnerships

Nance Schick · Mar 24, 2025 ·

Photo of two professionals stacking building blocks on a table

Employment is a partnership. It's time we ditch the outdated model that conjures up a one-sided transaction where the employer has all the control. That hasn't been the case in a very long time. Labor …

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How to Ruin a Business in 13 Months or Less

Nance Schick · Mar 10, 2025 ·

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DISCLAIMER: This post is a general overview of how missteps can ruin businesses quickly. It is not legal advice. If you have concerns about your business strategy or activities, please make an …

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