1. Violence in the Workplace: “Preparing for the Unexpected: HR’s Role in Creating Organizational Readiness”
Samuel Blackstone
January 13, 2015

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An Insiders Perspective and Experience in addressing critical behavioral issues in the workplace, globally
While we frequently talk about the process and strategy to address workplace violence, I assure you real life events tell a different story.
The stress, confusion and uncertainty of taking appropriate action, is overwhelming.
Nonetheless, the “system” expects you to resolve the problem…
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3. Understanding the Social Order
Workplace violence incidents are unfortunately increasing in today’s workforce, globally. Why?
The workforce is more diverse, and global emerging markets influence is on the rise; hence there are more problematic behavioral issues in the workplace. The employee of today doesn’t believe in the “gold watch” or retirement after many years of dedicated service to the “organization.”
Many of today’s employees have a preconceived notion of entitlements, and frequently display a dismissive behavioral attitude toward fellow co-worker at all levels, leading to potential conflict in the workplace.
They too, may display personal behavioral traits often consisting of more confrontational behavior; transference issues; narcissistic behavioral issues, medical issues; and often undiagnosed psychological problems….
And, the human resources professional and management team are expected to deal with this audience, in addition other business needs daily…
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4. Senior management is the key here…
Business Strategy
Proactive
Reactive
The human resources professional and the management team, allocate most of their time supporting the organization’s day to day business needs.
They are overwhelmed with priorities relating the firms critical operational activities, normally built around its operational concerns that include terms such as the strategic plan, P&L, M&A issues and related needs of the “top floor.”
While they are proactive in responding to ongoing operational concerns; they tend be reactive to the trappings and potential consequence of a poorly managed workplace violence issue.
If, workplace incidents were higher on the list of priorities, the outcome to resolve many workplace violence incidents would be more positive… Senior management is the key here…
Senior management is the key here…
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Human Capital Focus
The human resources professional and the management team, allocate most of their time supporting the organization’s day to day business needs.
They are overwhelmed with priorities relating the firms critical operational activities, normally built around its operational concerns that include terms such as the strategic plan, P&L, M&A issues and related needs of the “top floor.”
While they are proactive in responding to ongoing operational concerns; they tend be reactive to the trappings and potential consequence of a poorly managed workplace violence issue.
If, workplace incidents were higher on the list of priorities, the outcome to resolve many workplace violence incidents would be more positive… Senior management is the key here…
Proprietary Information - Samuel Blackstone, Consultant

6. Understanding people is key to the solution process…
Triggering Events
How familiar are you?
Understanding people is key to the solution process…
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Situations:
Dr. Jean Claude Pierre Hill Michael McDermott
Returning Veteran Executive Vice President
HR professional assaulted The “Banker”
Theory vs. Reality
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8. Michael McDermott Case
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“It was a bright and sunny day….”
Perceptions of Crisis Management
Speak of crisis think of catastrophic event caused or created by act of man
Let’s talk about this:
Describe what happened
Heart attack due to downsizing
Going to Africa for hostage operation
Parkway shooting
Commonality of preparation
How do prepare?
After effects of events
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10. Dr. Jean Claude Pierre Hill,
Psychiatrist
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11. What would you have done if you were working in Paris Wednesday?
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12. A Tool to Select the Right People
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ARE YOU PREPARED?
- Q and A
Samuel Blackstone
In short the answer is no. Why?
Due to insurmountable volume of state and regulatory guidelines, policies and procedures you are required to comply with
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