We've been getting a few calls from past clients, upset and unsure about what to do because their circumstances have changed. Life is dynamic. Things change over time and sometimes adjustments (large or small) need to be made. The good news? Not all is lost. It...
The Mediation Process
The Benefits: Adaptive Mediation
In lockdown here. Lots of matters are moving online or by phone (yes, mediation can be done on the phone in the right circumstances!) Wanted to provide a little reminder about why mediation is such a great method for resolving conflict... there are many more than...
The Silent Treatment
I talk a lot about being quiet so you can listen and really hear what's being said, but what do you do when someone you are in conflict with won't engage or respond to your concerns? The cold shoulder is a very unproductive method of communication. It's ok to avoid...
Finding the Way with Mediation
Most people know that in order to find the sweet spot in negotiations, compromise is necessary, for all concerned. But what do you do if you've compromised as far as you can and it's still not enough for the other party or their position is pressed or the goalposts...
Lawyers and Mediators
Which one do you need? There are lawyers and mediators, and some are both. But mediators are not always lawyers and lawyers are not always trained as mediators. How do you choose what you need when you find yourself in conflict? You may need a lawyer if you are unsure...
Keys to Breaking an Impasse
Deadlocks can happen in negotiations. If you reach an impasse in your mediation, not all is lost. There are things we can try, together: Reframe options - from negative to positive Challenge the parties on their positions and reality test options Encourage parties to...
Power Imbalance in Negotiations
There is often an imbalance in power in relationships, which tends to manifest more strongly during the conflict. Power can arise for various reasons - authority, information/skills/experience, money, age, behaviourally or psychologically - and naturally feeds into...
Difficult Conversations
Difficult conversations are confronting. No one enjoys them. But they're a part of life - within households, at work, in business and in our communities. Sometimes a person won't engage or remain steadfast in their position, which can make the problem worse and/or...
Difficult Conversations at Work
Applying the 123 rule in my previous post, let's look at a workplace example: You've been berated (again) for a minor mistake in front of some colleagues who are also your superiors. It has happened before and you're growing paranoid about your performance. You say: I...
What About Issues in Families?
So, next up is an example of how to use the 123 method for a common issue in a close family. Your parents are causing problems between you and your partner around the routine and discipline of your children. You say: Mum/Dad, when you criticise how we're raising the...