Reflective Practice: Embedding Learning
Reflective Practice is a bit of a buzz word at the moment. However, do we really know what it means and how to do it in a way that enhances our practice? Many of us have been to so-called reflective practice sessions and come away bruised, embarrassed or bemused. Some managers and supervisors pride themselves…
Read MoreWhy boring things and admin are important
At the risk of becoming a social outcast, I proclaim boring things and admin are important, not just important but vital! The other day I heard “It’s sad, but I love spreadsheets”…why is it sad? It’s great that someone enjoys precision and systems. Pedants are seen as a pain, and liking order is weird. Jobs…
Read MoreMediator Not a Magician?
“If I had a magic wand (although I am a mediator, not a magician)…” This is a question I often use to help people focus on what they do want instead of what is wrong. Imagining a better tomorrow is a start and something to aim for. Yet would the world be more peaceful and…
Read MoreNew Year–New Habits Disappeared in February?
New Year is a time of looking back and planning for new habits going forward. There are lots of discussions about whether at #NewYear one should set a #resolution, an #intention or choose a #wordofyear. Whatever we choose, they all boil down to whether or not we actually follow through on our ideas and create…
Read MoreDo you want to be happier in 6 weeks?
When we are happy, we are much less likely to end up in a hurtful conflict. When we are happy our brains work more effectively. Is happiness a choice? Positive psychology research indicates that while life events (particularly in childhood) have a great impact, we have more power than we think to make ourselves happier…
Read MoreNeeds Awareness Marmalade
One of the joys of needs awareness is that by meeting others needs, we can fulfil some of our own. I was excited to be seeing family and friends in USA over Thanksgiving. I wanted to bring them something special from UK, and asked for requests for British food/ goods which are difficult to obtain…
Read MoreMisunderstanding: All the right words…in the wrong order?
Misunderstanding causes confusion, chaos and conflict. It reminds me of that wonderful quote from Morecambe and Wise He played all the right notes, just not necessarily in the right order. No matter how carefully we choose our words and how intently we listen, miscommunication still happens. There are a couple of reasons for this. Understanding…
Read MoreConversations not Confrontations
I designed the Conversations not Confrontations course in response to a request from an organisation after a successful mediation. The employees involved found the way the organisation had managed their differences before actually exacerbated the issues. They asked me to tell management that the “conversations not confrontations” approach of mediation was much better. I talked…
Read MoreConsider Mediation before Grievance/Disciplinary
Why should charities or other caring organisations consider conflict first aid or mediation before grievance or disciplinary procedures? A grievance procedure may actually intensify conflict and divisions, especially if it is lengthy, complex or inconclusive. Disciplinary procedures create defensiveness, and even end up in the party starting a grievance procedure. In small organisations, it is…
Read MoreOnline Mediation: Can a computer bring peace?
Are you quietly seething at what a colleague or loved one said? Have you suppressed your anger and irritation for so long that you feel ready to explode? Are relationships at work brittle? Do you feel like you’re walking on eggshells? Online mediation might be the solution, particularly if you work remotely, or are…
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