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Pebbles and difficult decisions
One of the difficult decisions we face every weekend is where to go! Durham is within easy reach of cities, mountains, woods, moors and the seaside. As well as gorgeous sandy beaches (not many blackened by coal now), the North East of England coast has ones lots of interesting rocks and pebbles. So after some…
Read More4 Steps to Say No Nicely
When we say no nicely it actually stops destructive conflict. Yet so often we say yes when we know that no is the right answer. Why we say yes when we should say no Sometimes we don’t say no because we fear upsetting others. We say yes without thinking it through. We get in the…
Read MoreBest 5 Resilience Resources in Times of Uncertainty
Resilience Resources A wealth of resilience resources were created in the first few weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown. I thought you might appreciate having some of the best in one place. Although they were created for lockdown and Covid-19 times, almost all of them are useful in any difficult times. 1. Use your natural strengths–VIA…
Read MoreDealing with Negativity and Resistance
Negativity is natural. In all our lives there are the “mood-hoovers”, the “heart-sinkers” and the “dark clouds”. Those people who seem to be full of woe and keen to “rain on your parade. Dealing with Dementors JK Rowling describes an extreme version of this in her stories of the wizarding world. Get too near a…
Read MoreConversations not Confrontations
Conversations not Confrontations was designed in response to a request from an organisation after a mediation. The employees involved found the way the organisation had managed their differences had exacerbated the issues. They asked me to tell management that the “conversations not confrontations” approach of mediation was much better. I talked with the CEO and…
Read MoreConflict Coaching
Conflict coaching helps you to be your best self in conflict and stressful situations. Most people react to stress instinctively or in ingrained patterns learned from their childhood. Are you happy with the way you respond to conflict? Does it give you the results you want? Sometimes, learned responses work in one situation but not…
Read MoreConflict Management Training & Workshops
Conflict Management training?!? Is it really necessary? It is essential. Why is Conflict Management Training Important? Conflict and disagreements are inevitable. The normal response is to fight, flight or freeze. Although useful if facing a sabre tooth tiger, this evolutionary instinct is not helpful in modern-day life. When we choose fighting, running away or ignoring…
Read MoreEarly Resolution: Conflict First Aid
Early resolution of disputes, disagreements and performance issues saves time, trouble and money. There are many issues that people tolerate, hoping they will get better: a demanding boss, irritating colleague, battling boards, disagreeing directors or silent obstruction. Delaying a decision is making a decision to ignore the issue at least temporarily (More on this topic). …
Read MoreSmall Business Disputes
Small business disputes have a huge impact. In any organisation, disagreements and personality clashes cause problems. In her article on the cost of conflict, Andra Picincu lists 4 major issues: decreased productivity, loss of revenue, low morale and poor communication. Other negative effects are increased absenteeism, staff resignation and mental health issues. However, when conflict…
Read MoreCustomer Disputes
Customer disputes can cause havoc. For small businesses, one upset customer doesn’t just ruin your day, it could ruin your life if you don’t handle it carefully. Arguments over unmet expectations, unpaid bills or product quality add to the strain of managing a small business. Benefits of Mediation for Customer Disputes Customer disputes that end…
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