“Assume the best about people and watch how anger and stress fall away.” I don’t know who coined that statement, but I imagine most of you have heard advice about perception similar to this over the years. But, have you ever put it to the test? It took a tragedy in my family, and the unchartered journey that followed, to convince…
Lately I’ve been spending time intentionally observing my dogs. I’ve always enjoyed watching their antics, but I’ve been watching them from a “conflict resolutionist” standpoint. (Wait, I think I just made up a new word – “resolutionist” – I like it!) Anyway, I have two dogs. Both are rescues. Both are happy. Sadie is the…
Love, Lies and Mudslinging: Welcome to Mediation! Mediation can be a stressful and arduous process. Emotions often run high as positions are expressed and interests are explored. Sometimes participants are even surprised by the twists and turns the process takes, as motivating factors and priorities are brought to light. Not long ago I mediated a…
Every now and then, a day comes along when it feels like “Murphy’s Law” is working overtime. I had to navigate through one of those days recently. It went like this: I had a Monday morning mediation in Naples, with six participants that were all traveling from out of town to a neutral site. I…