Solutions
Mediation
People seeking or interested in mediation are often struggling with a conflict, need a decision made or a situation resolved, or they may have a fractured relationship. Alternatively, if you are interested in mediation, you may simply need some temporary help communicating. There could be a long history with those involved in a mediation case that calls for some ongoing work. You may be looking for a mediator for other parties, or you may be in a crisis yourself. People in conflict are often anxious or in pain and may be confused about their choices around how to proceed.
I can assist with all of these challenges and more. A first step is a no-fee conversation with me about your situation and how I might be able to help. We can also talk about what could reduce your immediate discomfort. Generally, if continuing to assist, I’m going to need to speak with the other party as well. Then, while consulting both of you, I build a mediation process that suits your needs.
Further reading on my blog site:
Facilitation
When you are part of a group or you are responsible for a team, facilitation becomes relevant. Even without any group challenges you probably want to maximize innovative and creative potential – and the enjoyment of working together. Building a self-sufficient group facilitation capacity is a way to do this.
But let’s put aside the no-challenge situation for now because if you are reading this page you’re probably here because of a challenge that you might bring to my attention. The conflict settling practices of mediation can be part of group facilitation, but there are some additional considerations as well, such as how to create meaningful participation of everyone, how to ensure everyone’s input is heard and considered, how to communicate with constituencies, how to reach a consensus when there are some very different viewpoints being expressed, and how to work with challenging personalities that may be present.
I’m interested in your group situation so contact me if you would like to have conversation about your goals, the groups’ dynamics, and some possible ways to harness the constructive potential of the group towards addressing issues on which you need progress. Facilitation includes both in-person and videoconference possibilities.
Further reading on my blog site:
Post 23: The Origins of Conflict and Creativity
Post 24: Differences and Creativity
Post 88: Sustaining Peace with Co-Creation
Post 30: Organizational Life Through Four Lenses