Happy New Year

Happy New Year!
I have a lot to be thankful for this year.



I have a new grandson, Gage.

Now I have three Gages (Gage is my son's and grandson Jack's middle name, too.)









Throughout the year I had my loyal companion Betty, the Boston Terrier












My book How To Mediate Like A Pro was published in February and won six book awards. The one that meant the most was the Spirit Award from the South Florida Writers Association. It was also published in Kenya by Acrodile Publishers









Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Desperate Times, Creative Measures from Guest Blog in ADRPages.com

I was delighted to be asked to be a guest blogger on ADRPages.com by Fey Ugokwe, J.D., Founder and Editor in Chief. I have reprinted the blog here. These are some things to think about the new economy in the NEW YEAR. http://adrpages.com/specialreports.php
SPECIAL REPORTS (GUESTBLOG):

Desperate Times, Creative Measures

by Mary Greenwood, Esq., ADR Author

http://howtonegotiatelikeapro.blogspot.com

www.marygreenwood.com

(edited by Fey Ugokwe, J.D., Founder/Editor-in-Chief ADRPages.com)

I recently received a very interesting e-mail from an online magazine that sells internet ad space.

Their e-mail had a 1-2-3-punch:

1. Check our current ad rates;
2. Tell us what you are willing to pay; and,
3. (As regards #2) We will quickly tell you ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

Their e-mail went on to say that:

a. The online magazine had never "resorted" to this technique before, but that these were "extraordinary" times;


b. One still needs advertising to sell, and that advertising is the online magazine’s sole source of revenue;

c. The online magazine wanted both the advertiser and itself to still be here when the economy improves;

d. If the online magazine and the advertiser could agree on a price, the advertiser could be offered an extended time to pay; and,

e. Even if the advertiser did not opt to buy an ad, they were welcome to call the online magazine and state how they were coping (in this economy).

Since I had written two award-winning books on Negotiation and Mediation, this "make me an offer" approach intrigued me. I made an offer, and subsequent to negotiation, we agreed upon a price--and my internet ad will be published.


What have you just learned about Sales Negotiations in this new economy?

1. We Are All In This Together.
We all indeed want to be in business when this economic downturn is over—and we now know that many familiar brand names will not be. Who would have thought that we would be saying something like this a year ago?

2. Desperate Times Call For Creative Measures.
You must not be desperate in these challenging economic times. You can't give in. You must really be creative and engage your customers. You must let them know that you will work with them and perhaps something can be worked out.

3. Make An Offer.
If you make an offer at the beginning of a negotiation, the worst thing that can happen is that the other side will say "no." On the other hand, the offer might be accepted. My situation with the aforementioned online magazine was a win-win: The online magazine now has a new customer--and, if that internet ad does well, I may post another one. Additionally, if we do all survive this economy, I probably will be amenable to paying full price for one of their internet ads, at a later time.

4. Work Out Payment Arrangements.
Some say that in this economy, payments can be extended. Others say “layaway” is the new credit card. Alternatively, more and more people are resorting to bartering as a form of working out payments, either informally, or via various more formal transaction web sites. As regards the latter, remember those stories about doctors getting paid with e.g., vegetables, during the Depression? Maybe there is indeed something that the other person can provide to pay, for what you are selling.

5. Keep In Touch With Customers.
I was struck that the online magazine asked the customer to call just to see how they were doing!
You must indeed let your customers know that you care about them--even if they are not currently doing business with you.

Happy Business Resolutions in the New Year!







Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

How To Negotiate With Your Family During the Holidays

Ever notice that when you get together with your family for the holidays that the same arguments and resentments bubble up through the good cheer year after year. Despite your best efforts not to let your siblings' comments bother you, you end up playing the same role in your family that you had in junior high. Here are some tips for getting along with your family this holiday season.

1. Concentrate on having a great holiday and don't get distracted by your emotions.

During this stressful holiday season, it is important to check your emotions at the door. Emotions such as anger or resentments lead to lack of control. You need to get past this stage if you are going to have a happy holiday. If you are the one who is angry or upset, you need to concentrate on what you what to accomplish (such as no scenes or confrontations) and not let anything stand in your way. It does not matter if you don't like a member of your family. Even if someone is rude, insulting, or even baiting you, don't give him or her the satisfaction that he or she has gotten to you.

2. Look Forward Not Back. The Past Is Called The Past For A Reason.

Don't try to settle old scores during the holidays. Remember your goal is to get through the holidays without any flare-ups. Even if one of your siblings did something to you in the past that still makes you mad, get beyond that and try to live in the moment and be happy. No matter how sophisticated and worldly we have become, somehow those same roles we had in high school show through and the same old pecking order manifests itself. In this situation, déjà vu is not a good thing.

3. Be Willing To apologize.

If you are estranged from a relative, maybe this is the year you will make the first move to reconcile. Be prepared to shoulder some of the blame even if you don't remember what the original argument was. Don't say, "I did not do anything wrong." or "It is against my principles to apologize!" That is beside the point. When considering whether to make the first move, keep in mind that people do make mistakes. Also consider that your first move may be rejected and don't be upset by that. At least you know that you made the effort and tried to take the high ground. A sincere apology, and I mean sincere, can go a long way.

4. Beware And Be Aware.

Be aware and don't let your guard down. Even if you think the holidays are going smoothly, don't be lulled into complacency. Be careful what you say and how you say it. One well-placed comment or zinger by you or someone else can spoil the whole holiday mood. Be alert to others' feelings. It is only a couple of days and you can get through it.

5.Be Thankful.

Be thankful for being able to share the holidays with your family. Remember that some of them may not be around next year or the year after and those very maddening habits you dislike now, you might even miss when they are gone. Try to remember all the good things and accentuate the positive. As my mother says, "If you can't say something nice, don't say something at all." Try saying something nice and see where it takes you. Happy Holidays.



Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of six book awards
Best National Book Award, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Who will be the Presidential Pup? How about a Boston Terrier?

Why has it taken so long to pick a Presidential Pup? Many cabinet appointments have been made: Secretary of State, Energy, Education, and Climate Czarina.





Even VP elect Biden has picked a German Shepherd pup. How hard can it be?







I want to throw a "bone" in the ring for Presidential Pup.

How About a Boston Terrier? Of course, I have my own Betty, see above as a puppy, so I may be biased. However, I have listed ten reasons why a Boston Terrier should be in the running for the White House puppy.

1. The Boston Terrier is the first American breed recognized by the American Kennel Club.
There is an interesting history here. In 1865, two dogs were bred that are the ancestors of all Boston Terriers. Hooper's Judge, part English bull-dog and part English Terrier, and Gyp, a bull dog type dog. Their puppies were bred with similar dogs and after many years, a breed was formed that was accepted by AKC in 1983. The breed was first rejected when called the American Bull Terrier, but was accepted when called the Boston Terrier

2. Boston Terriers are called the American Gentleman (even the females) because of their tuxedo look and their gentle disposition.

3. They are very smart and alert.

4. They come in many colors.
The most common is black and white, but some dogs have brindle; some are brown (seal); and some are more white than brown or black.

5. There is precedent.
President Harding had a Boston Terrier.

6. They are affectionate, lovable and gentle
They do lick, though; they are loyal and good companions.

7. They are very energetic and love to "fetch."

8. They come in three sizes: small (15 lbs.), medium 20 lbs., large 25 lbs.

9. They don't shed; they don't have fur.

10. They are cute.

So, Obama family, what are you waiting for? Pick a Boston Terrier; go American.


Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

How To Mediate Like A Pro Wins Award from London Book Festival

How To Mediate Like A Pro Wins Honorable Mention in the How To Category of the London Book Festival. The Awards Ceremony will be held at the Grosvenor Square Hotel in London on December 18, 2008.

This is the sixth award for How To Mediate Like A Pro, which has also won:

1. Best General Law Book, National Best Books Awards

2. Best "How To" Book, Beach Book Festival

3. Best E-Book New York Book Festival

4. Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards

5. Spirit Award, South Florida Writers Association






Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Be a Devil's Advocate

The Roman Catholic Church used the Devil's Advocate to investigate candidates for sainthood to see if there was anything negative concerning their candidacy. The idea behind the Devil's Advocate is that if it is someone's job to do an investigation, any detrimental information will come up as a result of this scrutiny.

Mediators use the Devil's Advocate as a device to give a reality check to one of the parties and point out the flaws in their arguments. The expression used is usually, "Let me play the Devil's Advocate." By saying you are going to play the Devil's Advocate the Mediator is not his own advocate and, therefore, isolated from criticism.

It is a convention so it does not appear that the Mediator is actually making the comments on his own behalf. By taking the outsider's role, the Mediator can point out the flaws in the other side's case. It is a great device because the other side cannot take offense. It is not the Mediator talking; it is the Devil.

Obama's Cabinet is a Group of Rivals. Will this allow them to be Devil's Advocates?

Rule 29: How To Negotiate Like A Pro



Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

MTI (Mediation Training Institute) Selects How To Negotiate Like A Pro as "Blog of the Month"

MTI Monthly selected How To Negotiate Like A Pro as its "Blog of the Month." MTI has over 76,000 subscribers and was started to share an interest in conflict and its management.



Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Art collectors from all over the world have come to Art Basel in Miami to buy and sell art. With the problems in the economy, even art collectors are looking for bargains.

Here are some tips for negotiating when buying art.

1. Ask for layaway (see previous post.) Because of the downward spiral, sellers are now more open to payment plans to make a sale.

2. See if you can barter (see previous post on barter.) Do you have something that can be exchanged for art? (massage, dog-walking, raw materials.)

3. Buy small so it can fit into your home or apartment.

4. Discover new artists before they are famous.

5. Follow the careers of your favorite artists so that they know you.
6. If you don't see anything you want, ask what is in the back.

7. Buy a draft rather than an original (it will be cheaper.)

8. Always have cash in hand.

9. Try to make a sale at the end of the event. The artist may be motivated to make the sale rather than shlep the piece back home.

10. Have fun!



Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Winner, National Best Book Awards, General Law Category
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Layaway is a New Old Way to Negotiate

Is Layaway the New Credit Card?

In case you don't remember layaway from your childhood, layaway is a way to purchase an item without paying the full price upfront. Instead of taking the item home and paying with a credit card or some other installment plan, the customer does not take the item home until all payments are completed. The customer pays a non-refundable fee upfront and has a payment plan to pay the amount due. It the customer does not pay all the installments, generally, the customer still gets a refund of payments made minus the nonrefundable fee and the item goes back on the shelf.

Layaway goes way back. People bought farm equipment and sewing machines on layaway. It was also popular after the Great Depression in the 1920's and 1930's. Some stores continued the tradition, but it had lost favor, probably because we have become a nation of people who want instant gratification and don't want to wait to actually get the item to take home. They would rather just use a credit card and get it over with.

But Layaway has made a comeback. Because so many holiday buyers are cash-strapped, many stores are bringing the concept of layaway back and many people are discovering it again. There are even some modern twists to it. There are now websites where you can pick out your item, sign up for a layaway plan, and when you are finished paying, your item will be sent to you.

What are the pros and cons of the layaway system?

Advantages:

1. You can reserve an item that may go out of stock such as popular Christmas toys.
2. You can avoid high credit card interest.
3. You won't have that holiday hangover with big payments after the holidays.
4. If you change your mind and don't pay all installments, you get your money back, minus fees.
5. You can shop early, but pay later.

Disadvantages:

1. Even with layaway, you still might not be able to really afford the item.
2. There is delayed gratification; this is more important to some than others.
3. If you pay your installments by credit card, you may still have high interest payments.
4. Maybe you could have gotten the item cheaper with post-holiday sales.

As in any transaction, Let the Buyer Beware.
Ask yourself these questions:

1. With the present economy, can I really afford this item?
2. Can I get it cheaper elsewhere?
3. Can I wait and pay in full, therefore not incurring any fees?
4. Will I really get my money back if I don't make all the payments? Check the fine print on anything you sign.
5. Are you paying installments on credit cards and defeating the purpose of the layaway?
6. How much are the fees? Can I afford to lose them?

If used wisely, layaway can be an alternative to using your credit cards.

Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Which single word will strengthen your persuasion attempts?

The Answer is Because

I have been reading Yes!50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive by Noah J. Goldstein, Steve J. Martin and Robert B. Cialdini as part of a business book club, sponsored by the Miami Herald Newspaper.

My favorite tip was 35: "Which single word will strengthen your persuasion attempts?" The answer is "because."

An example of the use of because is in the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion sing along the yellow brick road, "We are off to see the wizard because because because because of the wonderful things he does."

Behavioral scientist Ellen Langer did a study. They arranged for a stranger to approach someone waiting in line to use a photocopier and ask, "Excuse me, I have 5 pages. May I use the copy machine?" 60 % said yes. However, when the person made a request with a reason, ("May I use the copy machine because I am in a rush?") 94 % said yes. And here is the kicker. Even when the reason was rather hollow (May I use the copy machine because I have to make copies?") 93% said yes.

However the use of because has its limitations. When the researchers increased the amount of pages to 20, the percentages changed dramatically and there was only significant compliance with a good rationale. The lesson learned is to give a rationale and make it a good one. We can no longer say "because I said so, that is why."




Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Art Basel Comes to Miami, Frost Museum Opens

The new Frost Art Museum on the FIU campus
© George Leposky

New Frost Art Museum at Florida University opened Saturday November 29. 2009

One of the advantages of living in Miami Beach is to be able to be part of Art Basel each year. The original Art Basel takes place in Basel, Switzerland in June of each year. For the last seven years, a satellite fair has taken place in Miami Beach in December. The main exhibit is at the Miami Beach Convention Center with many international galleries, but there is art eveywhere. There are over 20 different art fairs not to mention the openings, the galleries, the parties.

In the next few days, I will digress from negotiations and share my impressions of Art Basel on my blog.

Yesterday, I went to the opening of the Frost Art Museum. The 46,000 square foot building is itself a work of art designed by Yann Weymouth. The new museum cost $16 million dolars to build and includes nine galleries and 10,000 squarefeed of gallery space. 6,580 pices of stone and 42,390 square feet of granite from China were used to construct the building.


Robert Motherwell

My favorite exhibit was the Modern Masters from the Smithsonian. It shows artists like Romare Beardem, Larry Rivers, Jim Dine, Robert Motherwell, Sam Francis, and Lousie Nevelson who came to maturity in the 1950's. Five of the pieces were originally donated to the Smithsonian by the Frosts so the paintings have come full circle. We had a wonderful docent named Natasha give us a personal tour of the exhibit. She is a junior at FIU and was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the exhibit.

There will be a free Art Basel event at the Frost Museum on Sunday December 7th called Breakfast in the Park with Joel Shapiro from 9:30 -Noon. You still need to RSVP at 305-348-0401.

The Frost Art Museum is localed at 10975 SW 17th Street, Miami


Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Winner Best National Book Awars, General Law Category
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

What are the differences between Arbitration and Mediation?

Arbitration is a process where parties present their arguments in a hearing format to an arbitrator who writes the decision. By going to arbitration, they have given the decision-making power to the arbitrator, who acts as a judge.

The arbitration hearing is much more informal than court. Arbitration can either be binding or nonbinding. Labor/management arbitration is binding, which means that the decision cannot be appealed or overturned unless the arbitrator showed bias, discrimination, or fraud in his decision. The courts have long recognized that labor arbitrators have a specialized knowledge of labor law that judges generally do not have.

An arbitration that is not binding means that the parties can reject the decision. The parties have the option of going to court or even to another arbitrator. The non-binding decision is an independent assessment of the case and may be used in settlement later on. The parties may not take a non-binding arbitration seriously if they have the power to reject the decision. The parties need to look at how much they are willing to spend and how important the final resolution is to them before deciding how to proceed.

What Are The Differences Between Mediation And Arbitration?

Mediation: The parties agree to work with a facilitator or mediator to resolve a dispute.

Arbitration: Parties agree to present their arguments to an arbitrator for a ruling.

Mediation: The parties control the outcome.

Arbitration: The parties do not control the outcome.

Mediation: The mediator does not make a decision.

Arbitration: The arbitrator makes a decision.

Mediation: The mediator asks questions so he can help facilitate a settlement by the parties.

Arbitration: The arbitrator asks questions in order to make a ruling.

Mediation: The decision-making power is retained by the parties.

Arbitration: The arbitrator weighs the evidence and makes a decision.

Mediation: The mediator is neutral, ethical, and has no vested interest in the proceeding

Arbitration: The arbitrator is neutral, ethical and has no vested interest in the proceeding.




Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes,

Winner of six book awards
Winner, National Best Book Awards General Law Category
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Saving Face is a good negotiations technique

Saving face is a way to allow someone else to get out of an embarrassing or problem situation with his or her dignity intact. Sometimes people are afraid to admit that they are wrong and the negotiator can help by showing them a way out of the dilemma. This is the opposite of driving someone into a corner, which will make a person fight even harder.

Giving someone a way out is a tradition in many countries. This can work in negotiations because it is a way to avoid embarrassment and resolve the problem. Saving face is often used in politics. Something is done so that the leader does not look bad. An example was the Cuban Missile Crisis in the 1960's. Initially, neither side wanted to give in so they would not be humiliated. By helping the other side not look bad, you may be able to get some concessions.

Saving face is also a way to be creative about a solution. For example, if you have a high-ranking employee who is not doing his job, you may want to demote him or her. However, this could be devastating to the employee's ego. Perhaps, he could get a different title in the new position that does not make it so obvious that it is a demotion. In such a situation, the employee may be salvageable and not be so angry and upset about a demotion

Try finding a way not to make the other side look bad and see where it takes you. Soon you will be negotiating like a pro.





Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Lincoln's Proclamation in 1863 started Thanksgiving

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

William H. Seward,
Secretary of State


Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

How To Negotiate Like A Pro and How To Mediate Like A Pro Available for Half-Price

The iUniverse Book Holiday Sale

Any purchases at the iUniverse Bookstore can receive a saving of 50% for family and friends of iUniverse Authors. I am passing along this savings to you.

Spreading holiday cheer just got a little easier with a festive deal that only iUniverse authors can give to their friends and family. For this week only, you can buy any soft cover or hard cover book from the iUniverse Bookstore for 50% off the Web site price!

With thousands of titles available, including How To Negotiate Like A Pro and How To Mediate Like a Pro, from cookbooks to guides and historical novels to memoirs, you can choose the perfect holiday gifts for youself and all the booklovers on your shopping lists.

This one-week only bookstore discount comes to an end at midnight Nov. 30. Use the code NOVBOOKHALF in the checkout process when you purchase your books. The iUniverse Gift Cardless Holiday Sale ends soon. http://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/







Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

How To Negotiate With Your Family During the Holidays

Ever notice that when you get together with your family for the holidays that the same arguments and resentments bubble up through the good cheer year after year. Despite your best efforts not to let your siblings' comments bother you, you end up playing the same role in your family that you had in junior high. Here are some tips for getting along with your family this holiday season.

1. Concentrate on having a great holiday and don't get distracted by your emotions.

During this stressful holiday season, it is important to check your emotions at the door. Emotions such as anger or resentments lead to lack of control. You need to get past this stage if you are going to have a happy holiday. If you are the one who is angry or upset, you need to concentrate on what you what to accomplish (such as no scenes or confrontations) and not let anything stand in your way. It does not matter if you don't like a member of your family. Even if someone is rude, insulting, or even baiting you, don't give him or her the satisfaction that he or she has gotten to you.

2. Look Forward Not Back. The Past Is Called The Past For A Reason.

Don't try to settle old scores during the holidays. Remember your goal is to get through the holidays without any flare-ups. Even if one of your siblings did something to you in the past that still makes you mad, get beyond that and try to live in the moment and be happy. No matter how sophisticated and worldly we have become, somehow those same roles we had in high school show through and the same old pecking order manifests itself. In this situation, déjà vu is not a good thing.

3. Be Willing To apologize.

If you are estranged from a relative, maybe this is the year you will make the first move to reconcile. Be prepared to shoulder some of the blame even if you don't remember what the original argument was. Don't say, "I did not do anything wrong." or "It is against my principles to apologize!" That is beside the point. When considering whether to make the first move, keep in mind that people do make mistakes. Also consider that your first move may be rejected and don't be upset by that. At least you know that you made the effort and tried to take the high ground. A sincere apology, and I mean sincere, can go a long way.

4. Beware And Be Aware.

Be aware and don't let your guard down. Even if you think the holidays are going smoothly, don't be lulled into complacency. Be careful what you say and how you say it. One well-placed comment or zinger by you or someone else can spoil the whole holiday mood. Be alert to others' feelings. It is only a couple of days and you can get through it.

5.Be Thankful.

Be thankful for being able to share the holidays with your family. Remember that some of them may not be around next year or the year after and those very maddening habits you dislike now, you might even miss when they are gone. Try to remember all the good things and accentuate the positive. As my mother says, "If you can't say something nice, don't say something at all." Try saying something nice and see where it takes you. Happy Holidays.








Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Everyone Makes Mistakes

Mistakes are Inevitable







Things happen and mistakes are inevitable. There are two sides to making mistakes. If you find out that you made a mistake such as sending a package to the wrong address, it is good to "fess" up as soon as you know about the mixup. It is always better to hear about a mistake directly from you. If the customer hears it from someone else or discovers the mistake on his own, he will assume that you did it on purpose.

If you are on the receiving end of a mistake, this is a chance to be generous and understanding. Always remember that the goal is to resolve the dispute, and not to find out why the mistake was made. The sooner you put the mistake behind you, the sooner you can find the solution to resolve the situation.

Don't make the solution overly complicated or get too many people involved in it. For example, if you sent the wrong item to someone, don't expect them to send it to a third person. It is probably better to offer a refund at this point or have them send the item back to you so you can send it to the third party.

If it is not known who made the mistake, a lot of wasted effort can be directed to the events that led up to the mistake. Try not to dwell on who made the mistake and and concentrate on the solution.

Rule 18, How To Negotiate Like A Pro


Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Don't Negotiate Against Yourself

Make the Other Side Make A Counter-Offer






When you negotiate against yourself, you are bidding against yourself. Let's say, for example, that you want to sell your watch for $100. You may point to your watch and ask your friend if he wants to buy it for $100. He does not answer and you quickly go down and ask if he wants it for $75.00. When he does not answer, you go to $50.00 and then he nods his head and says,"sold."

What did you do wrong? What you did wrong was not waiting for an answer. You must demand a counter-offer. Some negotiators cannot stand silence. The best negotiators know that silence is their friend and will wait and wait if necessary. When you are in a hurry, you may leave money on the table as they say.

When you get silence, you must ask what they will offer for the watch, not keep giving offers. When you don't wait for a counter-offer, you are no longer negotiating with the other person and you are negotiating against yourself.

Let's go back to the watch. You ask for $100. You wait and if there is no response, you ask how much they are willing to pay. If he says $80 or $90, you are already close to your goal and you can make a counter-offer yourself to arrive at the agreed price. If the other side offers $50.00 then you will probably be able to negotiate a sales price around $75.00.

Remember to wait for that counter-offer. If you don't you will be negotiating against yourself, and you will only have yourself to blame.

Rule 28: How To Negotiate Like A Pro



Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Don't Expect Thanks or Gratitude When the Negotiations Are Over

After the dispute is resolved move on.

Don't expect any thanks or gratitude from the other side. The fact that the case has been resolved is thanks enough. Don't expect the other side to be grateful that you spent so much time on the settlement or that you conceded on some main points or that you gave a heart-felt apology. Sometimes there is a mental letdown after you have have invested so much energy in resolving a dispute. You may have had some sleepless nights as you were analyzing the pros and cons of your arguments and strategies. However, when it is over, it is over. Let it go.

Even though you should not expect thanks or gratitude for your efforts, you can still thank the other side for their efforts. Your comments and compliments might help future negotiations run more smoothly.

Give Yourself a Debriefing After the Negotiation is over.

This is a way to evaluate the case and make changes in future negotiations.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Were any mistakes made?

2. What worked and why?

3. What could I have done differently?

Keep a Copy of Agreement For Your Comments

After finishing union negotiations, I always keep a copy of the contract nearby so I can make comments for the next negotiations cycle. As I read the language for a specific situation, I might catch a typo, misspelling or misplaced comma. Through interpreting the contract, I may see a section that I believe should be changed in the next bargaining sessions. These notes become the outline for my negotiating topics. Always write your name in big letters on your copy so you don't give it away by mistake.

IF you follow these rules, you will be negotiating like a pro




Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Mary Greenwood's How To Mediate Like A Pro One of Six iUniverse books to Win 2008 USA News Best Books Awards

Mary Greenwood's book, How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes is one of six iUniverse authors to be winners in the 2008 USA Book News Best Books Awards. She won in the Best General Law Category.

Here are the other five winners:

Paul Kiritsis in the General Poetry Category for Hermetica: Myths, Legends, Poems.

Michael Mehas in the Best New Fiction Category for Stolen Boy.

Tawan Perry in the College Guide Category for College Sense: What College and High School Advisors Don't Tell You About College.

Stephen Siciliano in Audio Book Fiction Abridged Category for Vedette or Conversations With the Flamenco Shadows.

Beverly Slomka in the Young Adult Young Fiction Category for Teens and the Job Game: Prepare Today: Win It Tomorrow.

There were also 25 iUniverse books that won finalist awards from the 2008 USA Book News Best Books.

How To Mediate Like A Pro also won best "How To Book" from the Beach Book Festival, "Best E-Book" from the Indie Excellence Awards, and "Best E-Book" from the New York Book Festival. Greenwood also won the Spirit Award from the South Florida Writers Association.


Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Glass Ceiling Needs More Chinks; US is ranked 27th in Global Gender Gap Report

Women Gain in Education not Power

US ranked 27th in ranking of sexes in world

Glass Ceiling Still Needs Breaking

A Reuters article in the November 13th New York Times reports that "Women Gain in Education but Not Power, Study Finds." In its Global Gender Gap report, Norway, Finland and Sweden are ranked the top three, while United States ranked 27th after Germany 11, Britain, 13, France 15 ,and Cuba 25. Saudi Arabia, Chad and Yemen were at the bottom.

The report concludes: "A nation's competitiveness depends significantly on whether and how it educates and utilizes its female talen. To maximize its competiveness and development potential, each country should strive for gender equality."

Maybe we need a few more million chinks in that proverbial glass ceiling.

Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

How To Barter Like A Pro

Bartering Is Back










The New York Times's article,"The Cash-Strapped Turn to Barter" by Mickey Meece on November 13 shows an increase in barter registration and transactions in an effort to hold onto cash and exchange services. The article gave an example of a painter who painted a house for $1000 in cash and $4000 as a credit in a bartering system.

I was curious how many bartering companies list mediation and/or arbitration service. I googled "Mediation Services" and "Barter" and came up with several barter companies that offer Medition Services: People Trading Services, Tradeyour trade.com, Ourwayhome.net, business.lovetoknow.com, mybarterclub.com, people trading services, and North American Barter Exchange. A member gets credits than can be used for future transactions. In addition, some individuals post on Crag's List to barter services one on one. Bartering has become more popular because a member business can get new customers, get referrals and conserve its cash supply. According to the New York Times article, bartering generates more than $3 billion dollars each year in the U.S.

Since bartering is a type of negotiation, I like the idea that Alternate Dispute Resolution Services such as Mediation and Arbitration can be paid for through an ADR process.


Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Miami Book Street Fair: See My Books Booth 214

I am displaying my books, How To Negotiate Like A Pro and How To Mediate Like A Pro at Booth 214, which is sponsored by South Florida Writers Associationo ( I am a proud member.) We are close to the food court. The Street Fair takes place Friday November 14- Sunday November 16. There will be many other local writers at our booth.

Mention my blog and get a discount. I would love to meet you.




Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes,
Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

One Good Thing From Bad Economy

Lehmann Brothers' failure may allow Connecticut shoreline to be preserved


In the New York Times on November 9, Gail Braccidiferro wrote an article "Preservation of Shoreline Forest Seen As Helped by a Bankruptcy." The area concerned, located in Old Saybrook, Essex, and Westbrook, is the largest unprotected coastal forest area between New York City and the Connecticut River.

Lehmann Brothers had planned on building a community called the Preserve that included 200 houses and a Golf Course. Since that is not going to happen, the Nature Conservancy, the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, the Audubon Society and the State of Connecticut all want the land to remain as a preserve, not The Preserve.

With all this interest and attention, it looks as though the land may become part of the public domain. It won't be cheap. The Old Saybrook part alone is appraised at 8 million, but the State of Connecticut seems willing to act to save this land for the people of Connecticut.

My parents lived in Old Lyme, Connecticut (on the other side of the Connecticut River from Old Saybrook) for over thirty years and my father, a 93 year old salt, has always loved the Connecticut River and the shoreline, which he calls the" banana belt "of Connecticut.  I am familiar with t his area and I am glad there is a good chance this area will be preserved.

We have heard so many gloomy stories about the economy and its trickle- down effect. At last there is a story that has a a potentially happy ending for this swath of forest that environmental groups want to preserve.


Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Noah Webster and Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse


Model of Noah Webster Sculpture

Both by Korczak Ziolkowski




The statue of Noah Webster in West Hartford Center, now at Blue Back Square( see previous posts) was scuplpted by Korczak Ziolkowski. As a young man he asked the town if he could do a statue of Noah Webster, West Hartford's most famous citizen. There was a campaign to raise money for the sculpture and it was completed in October 1941. The West Hartford Library is now exhibiting the 13 inch model for the statue which has been in storage for many years.

Ziolkowski left West Hartford and was a soldier in World War II. After the war, he moved to the black hills of North Dakota where he worked on a sculpture of Chief Crazy Horse for 36 years, at Mount Thunderhead, a few miles from Mount Rushmore, until he died in 1982. It is still a a work in progress after 60 years although the head is complete and and is being finished by his sons and daughters.

That is quite a journey from the sculpture of West Hartford's favorite son, Noah Webster, to a whole mountain carved into a sculpture of Crazy Horse.

Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Noah Webster Fact Sheet

 In the last two posts, I talked about Noah Webster, born in West Hartford, and his Blue -Backed Speller and the Webster Dictionary.

Here are some other facts about Noah Webster.

1. Noah Webster lived in a house in New Haven that belonged to Benedict Arnold, which was later saved by Henry Ford who
moved it to Greenfield Village, Michigan.

2. Webster fought for strict copyright laws. Only the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is based on Webster's own dictionary. Other Webster dictionaries are not.

3. Noah Webster received less than one cent per copy of the 25 million copies of the Blue-Backed Speller.

4. Noah Webster was frequently in debt (this is a pattern for writers, see previous posts about Mark Twain.)

5. He was a founder of Amherst College


Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Noah Webster and his Dictionary

After the success of the Blue-Back Speller (see previous post.) Noah Webster started working on defining the words that Americans use. He did this because Americans speak and use words differently than the English. He also wanted people in different parts of the country to speak and spell the same way.

In his dictionary, he used American spellings like "color" instead of the English "colour" and "music and stead of "musick." His first edition, A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language was published in 1806 with 37,000 words. When he finished his American Dictionary of the English Language in 1828, he had defined over 65,000 words.

Whenever I google a word, I am going to think of Noah Webster and how he worked for 27 years to finish his Webster Dictionary.


Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com

Noah Webster and the Blue-Backed Speller

As mentioned in earlier posts, I am spending a few days in West Hartford, Connecticut where I grew up. As a kid we passed the Noah Webster House on 227 Main Street almost every day. There is also a statue of Noah Webster near City Hall and the new Blue Back Square.

When I first heard of Blue Back Square, I thought it might be named after a whale. Then I had one of those "aha" moments. It was named after Webster's own textbook, A Grammatical Institute of the English Language. Its nickname was the "Blue-Backed Speller because of its characteristic blue cover.

Webster was a teacher, among other things, and, at the time, all the textbooks used in American schools were from England. Webster believed that Americans should learn from American books. For over 100 years, Webster's book taught children n to read and spell. It was the most popular American book of its time and sold over 100 million copies.

Noah Webster was committed to education throughout his life and felt that the survival of the US depended on the education of its childen.
(Note: the caricature of Noah Webster above is from the Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society website: www.noahwebsterhouse.org)

Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of
How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards
Best How To Book, DIY Festival
Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category
Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category
Honorable Mention, London Book Festival
How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes
Winner of five book awards
Best National Book AWard, Law Category
Best E-Book, New York Book Festival
Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival
Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards
Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association
Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.com