What are the qualities that contribute to being an effective mediator? Recent conversations with people considering careers as mediators, brought me back to this topic. How do I know if I have what it takes to be a mediator?
Mediator Education Program
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1
Fundamentals of Mediation
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2
Mediation Beyond the Basics
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3
Advanced Mediation
Impasse
Learn to Embrace Workplace Conflict
Conflict in a workplace is unavoidable. The ability to deal effectively with conflict is an important skill for everyone in a workplace and is essential for leadership.
Trying to avoid conflict is the least helpful method for dealing with workplace conflict. Rarely does conflict disappear when ignored. It is much more likely to escalate, to blow up a small problem into a much larger event.
To Caucus or Not To Caucus in Mediation?
Caucus-only mediation has become increasingly popular in many mediations for business, insurance, even more personal situations such as estate and workplace disputes. Recent research shows that the caucus-only mediation approach has negative consequences. As an experienced mediator, that research conclusion was not a surprise to me.
How Not to Be Stupid
How not to be stupid is a subject that is smart to think about. Stupidity is not lack of intelligence but a symptom of intelligence being overridden in a complex environment.
The Gift of Being Wrong
As a special gift at this year-end, let’s give ourselves the freedom to be wrong. Get unstuck from the pressure of being right. Go ahead and make mistakes.
Use Your Power!
When I talk to people involved in a conflict, often both tell me they feel powerless. It is a very common perception.
Just Listen!
The feeling that you are not being listened to is very frustrating. Relationships have been ended because of this feeling, in families, in workplaces and in business.
New Hybrid Dispute Resolution Process Supports Reconciliation with First Nations
What should First Nations do when disagreements arise about treaty rights? An new hybrid dispute resolution process is described in a recent issue of Macleans magazine. Authors John Beaucage, Alicia Kuin, and Paul Iacono have developed a culturally sensitive team approach for resolution of disputes in support of reconciliation.
Happiness in 5 Simple Steps
Would you like to be happier? The start of the summer season is a great time to bring more happiness into our lives.
Recently I was working with people struggling in a long and complex conflict situation. Afterwards I thought about how important it is to manage our emotional distress by shifting our focus to what we can do for ourselves to increase our happiness.
Thinking about Thinking: Conflict and Cognitive Bias
Next time you are experiencing a difficult conflict try thinking about how you and the other person are thinking. When I read a recent post by Buster Benson I was struck by how cognitive bias contributes enormously to my day-to-day world of resolving conflict. Understanding more about cognitive bias certainly improves our conflict resolution skills.
Mediator Education Program
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1
Fundamentals of Mediation
-
2
Mediation Beyond the Basics
-
3
Advanced Mediation