• Posted by ADRhub.com- Werner Institute on October 4, 2016 in Featured News & Articles (Change)…

Some phrases just have a great ring to them.

“Collective Intelligence” is one of those.

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We don’t travel our paths alone.

Sometimes we might think that it would be better if everyone agreed with us, shared our opinions and simply followed our lead … right?

But that’s just not the way it works.

It’s our diversity that defines our individuality.

If we don’t incorporate the ideas of…

Being a journalist-turned-therapist, “WHY” is one of my all-time favorite questions. It’s the fastest way to get to the heart of the matter, and it makes people think about their motivations, their feelings, and their concerns all at once.

But, I’ve also learned the downside of “WHY” and discovered that prodding too deeply into someone’s motivations may actually hinder progress, especially at the mediation table.

At a certain point, finding out WHY someone did something…

I can vouch for this from my own experience from mediations.

When parties in a mediation see the “humanness” in another person, they are often open to appreciating them on a different level … which can open the door to developing compassion and perhaps a change in their own attitude.

Often, accessing the humanity underneath each others’ hard exteriors can be a real challenge.

It takes work. Sometimes it’s just easier to characterize each other…

Even if you HATE apologizing (like I do),  “I’m sorry” are two of the most important words you’ll ever say. Or are they?

Turns out, it’s HOW you say, “I’m sorry” that matters, not the words themselves. I mean, how many times have you heard, “I’m sorry you feel that way” or “I’m sorry you don’t understand.” And my personal favorite, “I’m sorry you can’t take a joke.”

Those “pseudo” apologies don’t count.…

Have you ever heard of a term called “group think?”

“Group think” happens when a group thinks or makes decisions in a way that discourages creativity and dissenting viewpoints.

Now .. that’s an innovation killer. Groups members flow with the group and alternative ideas are lost in the process.

So … how do we encourage innovation, stretch participants beyond their comfort zones and tap into collective wisdom in the process?

New pathways…

The Texas Conflict Coach® Blog Talk Radio program announces our series focused on Workplace Conflict.

The following episodes will air every Tuesday from 5:00-5:30 pm PST/7:00-7:30 pm CST/ 8:00-8:30 pm EST.…