International Facilitation Week’ Twitter Chats – October 22 and 23

As part of International Facilitation Week 2014,  on October 22 and October 23, renowned UK facilitator @MartinGilbraith and I are hosting a couple of Twitter chats. Martin and I did this (chats) last year, too.  They were a fast-paced virtual exchange, and dare I say – good fun, for all. The chats are the initiative of the International Association […]

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, […]

3 Preconditions for Effective Communications

Ever reached out, across the virtual divide, and found your communications efforts less than stellar?  (Yep.)   Somehow, the conversation seems to have barely begun, before the scene deteriorates and communications fall apart.   Puzzled as to why things unfolded that way?   Maybe, the conditions weren’t in-place to begin with, for effective communications to […]

Effective Communications: Adding Verbal and Non-Verbal Capacity in Virtual Contexts

Working virtually can put the squeeze on our full range of verbal and nonverbal communication skills. This is a given with it comes to nonverbal. When we’re in the same physical space together, the success of our communication effort  is mightily influenced by our nonverbal, visual, actions.  Where is body language, and tone of voice, […]

Facilitating Organizational Change Through Creativity and Ensemble

When a new lens on organizational change comes along, I perk up.  As a mediator and consultant, I know the value of lens; of changing perspective, as a lead-in to problem resolution.      “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” […]