It’s been a long journey. I’m just a little bird, and I’ve travelled from far away, thousands of kilometers. I’m tired and I’m lonely. I’m looking for a safe place to bed down, meet others like me, and start afresh. Can you help me? “Why, yes I can”, said a gentleman in my neighbourhood. And […]
Cultural diversity in virtual conversations?
September 9, 2013 by · 2 Comments
Last month, I did a cross-cultural conflict management workshop for the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria. The participants were all immigrants. Their time in Canada ranged from weeks to years. The content focus was the workplace and employment. Culture and conversation patterns One of the concepts I touched on dealt on was cultural differences in […]
Focus on Relationships to Increase Collaboration
May 29, 2013 by · 1 Comment
Even in a short time-frame mediation, like those that I do in Small Claims Court, an initial focus on relationships and process pays off. If people are ok with what’s going down, process-wise, and nobody is getting bullied, then what flows after, e.g., the “facts”, seems to have more traction. I believe this same philosophy […]
What's your default?
May 2, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Two months ago, the default rule for setting out my garbage and compost changed. It used to be that I placed all garbage and compost into one type of container. That container was picked up by the City and taken to the local landfill. That changed. Now the City provides two types of containers, one […]
The Neighbourhood Stroll Habit: A way to recharge your collaborative mindset
March 21, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
When I’m working at my home office, by mid-day I’m usually ready for some outside time. Fortunately I live in an inviting neighbourhood. A short stroll in my ‘hood helps recharge my batteries. And when the batteries are charged, its easier to do those good things: focus, listening, empathy… associated with the collaborative mindset. On the […]
