So many things have shifted since the Spring of 2020 and happily, in a positive direction, the tide is turning once again. Everything slowed down last year and then shifted. One of those shifts was redirecting in-person mediation to online sessions. There are a handful of online platforms to choose … [Read more...]
Your Honor
Sometimes people assume that because I am a Mediator I am also an attorney. While there is a time and place where attorneys are needed, these people are taken aback when I explain that, in the State of Florida, although there is a vigorous educational, vetting and certification process, one … [Read more...]
Living in “La-La Land”
Some might say that as a Mediator, I live in a “La-La Land” of positivity. I do. But not to my detriment nor the detriment of others. When entering a mediation conference, positivity is welcome because the parties sitting around the conference table are contentious, acrimonious and ready for battle. … [Read more...]
Be Kind
I have a rule never to mix business and politics. I focus on the business of mediating and educating in the community association industry. Yet interestingly, in that industry, sometimes politics bleeds into business. How so? Like local, state and national government, community associations … [Read more...]
Listen, Engage, Communicate: Fundamentals for a Thriving Workplace
Ethos, pathos and logos – During the era of ancient philosophers, Aristotle identified three elements of effective communication; presentation, interaction and, most importantly, an engaged listening audience. All essential fundamentals to a thriving workplace. The lack thereof leads down an … [Read more...]
Does Having to be Right Help Improve Conflict?
While some folks relish the opportunity for conflict – the yelling, the battle, the threatening of a relationship; others will do anything and everything possible to avoid conflict. Some who fear conflict may become physically and/or emotionally ill by it. Others avoid conflict because they don’t … [Read more...]
Habit #5 “Seek First to Understand, Then be Understood”
Awesome quote from Dr. Stephen R. Covey, Author of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Habit # 5 - "Seek for to understand, then be understood." Food for thought.... … [Read more...]
October is “Mediation Month!!”
October is ‘Mediation Month,’ bringing awareness to alternative dispute resolution across the globe. A variety of countries and organizations celebrate Mediation Awareness Week during various weeks throughout the month and come together on Conflict Resolution Day, which occurs every year on the … [Read more...]
I Know You Hear Me but Are You Listening?
There is an art to listening. You may believe you are listening when others speak but are you really concentrating on what the speaker is saying? If asked, would you be able to repeat back to the speaker what they’ve said? “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with … [Read more...]
3 Quick Tips to a Productive Dialog
Effective communication and negotiation skills: Tips to a productive dialog. Tip #1. Be clear and concise in your thoughts. Tip #2. Articulate what it is you desire, need or expect. Tip #3. Positivity goes farther than derision, so be kind with your words. Create a foundation … [Read more...]
