Presented by Cigna Employee Assistance Program CREATING A POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. © 2013 Cigna Some content provided under license. 2 Explore how we think about others Learn skills for healthy and productive communication Discuss how to manage negative feelings in conversation Discover ways to actively build a positive work environment Know the benefits of your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) SEMINAR GOALS

Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. © 2013 Cigna Some content provided under license. 3 Diversity Communication Teamwork CHALLENGES OF WORKING TOGETHER

Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. © 2013 Cigna Some content provided under license. 4 Split-second decisions and snap judgments Usually not based on circumstances Conscious or subconscious Identify our thoughts and understand others Source: (Fernandez, 1998) MAKING JUDGMENTS

Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. © 2013 Cigna Some content provided under license. 5 Categorizing and labeling information in a “logical” manner Grouping information that seems to go together Categorizing varied patterns and experiences Leads to stereotyping and misunderstanding Can cause problems with trust and respect INFORMATION GATHERING Source: (Fernandez, 1998)

Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. © 2013 Cigna Some content provided under license. 6 Unique backgrounds and personalities Influence of socialization, families, and institutions Not always rational and objective Counteract with awareness of subjectivity and irrationality * Source: Fernandez: Race, Gender, and Rhetoric PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. © 2013 Cigna Some content provided under license. 7 How do you evaluate and treat your coworkers? What areas do you need to work on? How can you adjust your behavior? SUCCESS STARTS WITH SELF-ASSESSMENT

Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. © 2013 Cigna Some content provided under license. 8 Listening Assertiveness Understanding style differences ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR GOOD COMMUNICATION

Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. © 2013 Cigna Some content provided under license. 9 Give up the need to be right Seek first to understand, then to be understood Avoid acting defensively Be aware of your tone Listen for some truth in what they say Use “I-statements” to express your views EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND LISTENING TECHNIQUES

Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. © 2013 Cigna Some content provided under license. 10 THEY REALLY PUSH MY BUTTONS… In a difficult relationship, you always have control over one thing… yourself.

Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. © 2013 Cigna Some content provided under license. 11 Don’t: React emotionally or impulsively Make vague requests Insist on your own way Engage in dead-end arguments Tell your coworker how they should think or feel Expect changes from venting your anger DEALING WITH NEGATIVE EMOTIONS

Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. © 2013 Cigna Some content provided under license. 12 Do: Take time to think before you act Have realistic expectations Appreciate your coworkers’ differences Be clear and respectful about how you feel Call a time out if needed Remember that you have a choice DEALING WITH NEGATIVE EMOTIONS

Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. © 2013 Cigna Some content provided under license. 13 Respect Recognition Success Talent Support Cooperation Give the benefit of the doubt BUILDING A POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. © 2013 Cigna Some content provided under license. Benefits of the EAP Face to face sessions Confidential Prepaid Unlimited telephonic consultation Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Household benefit Work/life support such as eldercare, childcare and pet care Financial services Legal services

Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. © 2013 Cigna Some content provided under license. 15 Fernandez, John. (1998). Race, Gender, and Rhetoric. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Lerner, Harriet. (1989). The Dance of Anger. New York, NY: Harper & Row. Simons, George. (1989). Working Together: How to Become More Effective in a Multicultural Organization. Los Altos, CA: Crisp Publications. REFERENCES

All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Behavioral Health, Inc., and HMO or service company subsidiaries of Cigna Health Corporation. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. All models are used for illustrative purposes only a 5/13 © 2013 Cigna 16