What's Happening [03.06.12]

Episode #30 Mediators Beyond Borders: Past Present & Future

Join host Jeff Thompson and Charlie Pillsbury, executive director of Mediators Beyond Borders. Charlie explains what MBB does, some of their past work, current projects and upcoming plans.

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When it ain't easy to say the right thing: How distance mediators help

Susanna Jani- “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” (Mark Twain)

I wish I’d seen that quote years ago, when I was in the midst of my own separation. In hindsight, I can say without hesitation that many of the discussions I had with my ex about how to reorganize our lives went sideways for no other reason than that I didn’t understand how important my choice of words actually was. I also didn’t fully grasp how difficult it can be to say the “right thing”. This isn’t just because I was young (which I was) – it really isdifficult to remain on an even plane and to contemplate the impact of words in the emotionally charged atmosphere that accompanies a marital break-up.

Exploring Impasse to Reflections on Impasse

By: David Hubbard, JD From a Webinar on Exploring Impasse to Reflections on Impasse:

Thinking about exploring impasse in greater detail after the most recent NMA Webinar? NMA’s archive of webinars can provide a wealth of information, tools, skills, and insight into many mediation skills including addressing, dealing with, and exploring impasse. Consider starting with Ran Kuttner's webinar on “The Reflective Practitioner” to exercise your reflective practice muscles. I mention Ran’s webinar as a starting point as I think addressing impasse starts with us as mediators knowing ourselves, our views on conflict, our worldview and understanding the importance of self-awareness.