Partners, Competition and Internal Efficiency: Managing conflict in a modern organization has an amazing number of ties to central themes of Zen, “Art of War” and book of change (Tao de Ching).They are all about understanding yourself, your organization, your strengths, weaknesses and synergizing with others to achieve positive outcomes. Collectively these things have a direct correlation to an annual company S.W.O.T review (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats). Furthermore, these attributes and approaches mimic an employee’s annual performance review. In Applied Zen workshops we go through approaches to company S.W.O.T. which include: company self analysis, analyzing competition, and partnering for best case strategic outcomes.

All above methods (old and new) are about changing base behavior, beliefs and approaches. These are core values, and are far more important than putting band-aids on problems, or approaching things with simply a behavior change. In regard to ancient philosophies, they of course must be interpreted, and applied, using case studies in a context that matches modern corporate world – but lessons are most definitely there!

Continuing to train ones skills and undergo development both in-house and outside your company is essential.

As ancient samurai saying says: “Continually sharpen sword or it will go blunt!”

By Jason Armstrong, Ph.D. Copyright 2005.

Secret Tip For Emergency Situations

If name is unavailable, use one of greetings in Example #2 and add this personal note.

Please Note: I'm sorry for this impersonal greeting on my cover letter. I was unable to get your name online. However, I look forward to opportunity to meet you in person so I can address you by name and discuss this job opening. I am highly interested in working for {company name}.

This one-two punch would surely grab someone's attention. You are showing your respect and more important, that you care.

This secret tip alone quickly turns a potential negative into a positive that could make difference between acceptance and rejection.

The bottom line: When you target your cover letter to a specific person by name, you greatly increase your chances of landing interview, and ultimately job you desire.

So before you write your next cover letter, ask yourself this essential question: Who, specifically, will be concerned about what I have to say in this cover letter? That person has a name and it sure isn't, "To whom it may concern!"