Leadership Section
Leadership Articles
Dissing of Civil Discourse pt. 3
Interestingly, since beginning of this series of posts several months back, the topic of seeking greater respect and civility in our political and social interactions has ratcheted up significantly, even becoming mainstream!
The Exceptional Power of Vision
There are many keys to reaching possible agreement. The list includes, among others, discovering not incompatible interests, soothing a hurt relationship, or finding a common enemy. Uncovering a transcending vision can accelerate and amplify the coming together of contending parties. Vision helps achieve agreement.
Reframing
One of the core skills in the mediator’s tool box is a technique called reframing. Put simply, reframing helps people see something from a different perspective.
12 Tips for Mediating Complex Business and Government Disputes
This article discusses 12 tips for hiring the right mediator for the right situation.
Establishing Rapport in Mediation
Establishing rapport seems like a nice thing to do, right? I don’t think so.
Leaving Facebook
I was a fan of Facebook from my first login. I registered right after it opened to the public in 2006, and I led most of my friends onto the platform. I am now choosing to leave Facebook.
Lessons from the Iroquois
In our mediation efforts, once we are in the realm of “public policy,” we are inevitably poking our noses into questions of intergenerational equity and “governance” and how authentic collaboration can be achieved or improved.
The Faultlines of the Current Ideological Divide - Part 1
This article discusses the ideological divide looking at conflict from both a mediator's (Part 1) and a therapist's perspective (Part 2).
In Isolation Together
Ok, we’ve got a problem: Britain has announced a new Minister of Loneliness.
Exciting ADR Developments in China and Hong Kong
Navigating the United States’ approach to mediation can be tricky for international firms as there is no uniform approach.
Not Just Another Set of Lamb Chops!
Someone once said to me that while to a butcher a pair of lamb chops is just another set of lamb chops, to a person who has not eaten in a long while, it will be the best meal ever. In sum, it is all a matter of perspective.
Building a Golden Bridge and Other Lessons from Dr. William Ury
Dr. Ury says that in modern day conflict, where we seek to win at the expense of our adversary. In doing so, we invariably ensure mutual loss. “Instead,” he said, “The aim of modern day conflict resolution must focus on finding mutual gains.”
I’m Not Neutral About Neutrality: I’m Partial to Multi-Partiality
Embarking upon the journey of becoming a mediator led me into learning a new language, one that would be spoken both internally – (in how I would think about the mediation participants and their circumstances) - and externally – (in how I would interact with them).
The Gang of Fourteen
These are dark times, especially if you are part of the loose community of people who by virtue of nature and/or nurture, are of a mediative persuasion.
Online Dispute Resolution: the “New Normal”
It may come as a surprise that online dispute resolution has been around for more than twenty years.
Reflections on North and South Korea
As I write these words, a meeting is being organized in Singapore between the US and North Korea, and it is worth reflecting for a moment on how it happened that the world suddenly changed.
The Mann Gulch Fire
I follow the choroeographies and patterns of the craft we call conflict management, but every once in a while I help people really step out of the proverbial box they are in and discover (or stumble on) a peculiar new solution that seems to fit perfectly. Those are the golden moments I live for.
Embodied Conflict - Chapter II. The Neural Encoding Function
Embodied Conflict presents the neural encoding function in layman’s terms, outlining seven key characteristics and exploring their implications for communication, relationship, and conflict resolution.
Introduction to Embodied Conflict: the neural roots of conflict and communication
Embodied Conflict presents the neural encoding function in layman’s terms, outlining seven key characteristics and exploring their implications for communication, relationship, and conflict resolution.
ADR Pilot Schemes and Programs
What are pilot programs, or pilot schemes, in ADR?
How to Lead with Less Anger
Do you use an angry voice to communicate or give instructions when a firm, even voice would do the job just as well?
What All New Leaders Should Understand
Coming into a role where you are expected to get others to work together efficiently and effectively to create the best possible product or service isn’t an easy task.
Figuring Out George Mitchell’s Real Contribution to the Good Friday Agreement
On Tuesday 10th April 2018, I was in Belfast to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) with all the great and the good who took part in those negotiations.
Does Your Practice Include Church and Synagogue Mediation?
Within the church or synagogue setting, mediation can be very useful if individuals or groups are having disputes or differences of opinion.
The Ghosts of Melos
Intermediaries, honest brokers, and would-be peacemakers have much to learn from warfare. In fact if you want to understand mediation, learn about war.