Founder, Optimize! Institute
published in the UNION-TRIBUNE
October 3, 2004

Escondido-based Rhoberta Shaler, a communication and conflict-management expert, founded the Optimize! Institute under a different name in 1998. Shaler, the author of seven books and a former teacher, gives seminars around the world, focusing on communication, conflict management, anger management and negotiation.

How do you begin your seminars on conflict and anger management?

My opening line is, "Do you have dung heaps in your sandbox?"

Dung heaps?

Yes. What I mean is do you have a rhino in the office that nobody is talking about or dealing with? A rhino takes up space and energy. It's messy and smells. My seminar is about how not to allow that rhino to grow. If you ignore the conflict, it only gets bigger.

Why do employees ignore conflicts?

Fear of loss of approval. Employees think that employers will like them less if they complain, but communication and conflict management can be learned.

You offer seminars, mediation for individuals and groups and corporate training. How much do these services cost?

Seminars range from $4,500 to $10,000 depending on the length of the talk and the location. Mediation costs $250 per hour. Coaching costs $500 for two hours per month with a minimum of three months.

After 38 years in the field of corporate training and anger management, what have you found to be the symptoms of a bad boss?

I have to be careful here. A bad boss is somebody who doesn't listen, doesn't respect employees and doesn't demonstrate that they value employees through a simple thank you or an acknowledgment when an employee has done something well.

What are the symptoms of a bad employee?

Often, people try every way to Sunday to not do the job that they are paid for. They take long breaks, look at e-mail and take personal phone calls. That's stealing from the employer.

Do you have any employees?

I use contractors.

What are the next steps for your company?

We're launching a huge $50,000 campaign for my new book "Wrestling Rhinos." It's very exciting for me.

Which books of yours are available today?

I have four books that are in print: "Wrestling Rhinos: Conquering Conflict in the Wilds of Work," "Optimize Your Day! Practical Wisdom for Optimal Living," "Keep It In Mind: Memorable Messages for Staying on Track" and "What You Pay Attention To Expands: Focus Your Thinking. Change Your Results."

Any other big plans for the company?

By 2006, we'd like to begin training people to become facilitators.

You want to train people to do what you do?

Yes. I can't be everywhere.

How would a reader reach you for further information?

Online at www.OptimizeInstitute.com, e-mail to info@optimizeinstitute.com, or my phone number: (760) 735-8686.

– Shannon McMahon

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