Reading Time: 2 minutes We negotiate with ourselves and with others every day of our lives. For the most part these negotiations are not emotionally charged, but they certainly can be. When someone’s actions or lack thereof blocks access to something that is important...
Reading Time: < 1 minute The role of a mediator is often misunderstood by counsel and the parties. This can result in fuzzy or muddled expectations, and ultimately a failed process. Over time this lack of clarity can lead to counsel skepticism and resistance to...
Reading Time: 2 minutes Back in June of 2002, G8 meetings set to commence in Calgary were jeopardized when security arrangements ran up against lobbying taxi drivers, outraged over proposed changes to taxi licencing. The drivers picketed on the City Hall steps, right...
Reading Time: < 1 minute Know that all conflict exists in our stories of the past about what happened to us and what we made it mean. To drag these stories into the present moment only causes us to re-live them. Remind those caught in conflict of this fact. Step...
Reading Time: 5 minutes The role of a mediator is often misunderstood. Similarly, the roles of counsel, parties and other advisors may be unclear. Too often mediation is viewed as something that is being done to the participants rather than done with them. This can...
Reading Time: 5 minutes “Breath on a mirror. If it fogs over, you have conflict.” This phrase signifies an undeniable fact of life: that conflict is inevitable. As with any challenge, it is useful to consider the nature of conflict in order to deal with it...