Musings on peeling the onion and visual thinking

We all have needs. When we’re stuck, dealing with unmet needs can help get things moving forward again. Understanding needs can be like peeling an onion; there are many layers. It may be a bit painful in the peeling, yet good things can happen afterwards, not the least of which is crafting sustainable solutions, as […]

Surprises in mediation can be a good thing

As a mediator or facilitator, its easy to feel you’re in total control of the process.  Don’t hold that thought too tight though!  Sometimes, giving co-ownership of the process, over to the people in conflict, can lead to surprising results.  It doesn’t matter if it was your intention or it happens spontaneously, letting go can […]

Break down those silos and re-build from above and below

Trying to get everyone on the same page? As long as your team members stay in their silos, your job will be next to impossible. To break down the thick walls between silos, build on the things all silos have in common: the sky above (vision) and the ground below (values). The silos metaphor is […]

Be a better mediator: 5 jazz learning techniques worth investing in

  Jazz is America’s music.  It roots are in America.  Two things I always liked about jazz. One; the swing rhythm, identifiable in the music of Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and many others, always gave me a high.  Two; jazz has long been associated with social justice. That sold it for me! Earlier in my […]

A framework for values-based Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

What would a values-based Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework look like, in an organization? Recently I listened in on a conversation between 3 well-known mediators/bloggers, Amanda Bucklow, Tammy Lenski,and Diane Levin on the topic of values-based fees in the mediation and ADR world.  I’ve also being part of some recent conversations in my local Values-Based […]