Offering a Continuum of Choices is a Trusted Collaborative Problem Solving Technique

When we’re stuck on a problem, and filled with negativity, the options lean to either/or.  When we articulate the spaces in-between, new possibilities emerge, a continuum of choices.   A continuum of choices reduces the risk of either/or, win/lose, and encourages collaborative problem solving. Offer a continuum As a contract court mediator with Mediate BC, […]

A Lesson from a Golf Champion: Separate Process and Outcome

Rory Mcllroy won last week’s British Open golf tourney.  The British Open (aka “The Open”) is considered one of the 4 majors; i.e., global golf’s most influential competitions.   Mcllory’s assessment of his triumph was revealing, and included some insights, on letting go, and detaching oneself from the outcome.  Zen-like. Only 25, Mcllroy is golf’s current […]

Urban beekeeping offers us a lesson in change and conflict management

Its summer, here.  Flowers and gardens are blooming.  Bees are buzzing in the neighbourhood, and more, if you have backyard beehives. A Yes! magazine article this week, Four Ways to Build a Bee-Friendly Neighborhood, gave some great tips for alleviating neighbour concerns, associated with urban beekeeping.   I also thought the tips offer a larger model […]

10 Ways Cops Support Community-based Collaboration and Justice

A bunch of things triggered this list, no pun intended. Police operate at the intersection of many different civic and community relationships.  That position offers them many opportunities to influence and mediate, in collaborative ways. 1. Fewer guns:  Many cities/countries (e.g., London/UK) don’t have every police officer carry a firearm.  Could most of Toronto’s cops […]

Speculations on a machine-human interface to reduce your zone of conflict

When you find yourself in difficult conversation, are you quick to the defensive?  Or, maybe you lash out, unintentionally, with a few harsh words to the other person?   Sometimes we need a little help, to get ourselves under control.    There must be an ‘app’ that can help, right? A recent post on IdeaConnection, […]