, ,

Mediation Musings: Celebrating Light

, ,

Celebrating light is the theme for November and December holidays across the world. The Hindu festival of Divali was celebrated last week with the lighting of candles to wish one another good luck, riches, and generosity. As the waning light of the sun in the Northeast US is heading us toward the shortest day of the year, many light candles and install lighting displays to brighten our lives and the lives of those around us.

Conflict resolution is meant to bring light into a process which is otherwise murky and dim. During this time of year when all of us––family and friends, coworkers and neighbors––are in need of more light, you may need to call on a neutral facilitator––a mediator––to help you to guide the conversation toward resolution. We are here to help with that.

A mediator is not always what is needed or available in order to bring light into a situation. You can bring the light, yourself. Here are 10 tried and true tips to help to resolve conflicts on your own. 10 ways to resolve a conflict yourself

Conflict Coaching Can Bring the Light

Light candles in a dark room

Another way to bring light into dilemmas is to work with a conflict coach. Conflict coaches are kind, intuitive, and good listeners who can help you clarify your approach to conflict. When folks come to conflict coaching they are looking for a trained coach to help them think things through and make a reasonable plan to handle a conflict. We have had tremendous success with helping conflict coaching clients.

At the end of the process the conflict coaches ask, "Did you find any pearls throughout this process?" Participants’ eyes light up when we ask this. In every case, clients have come up with a new learning or concept to guide them in the future. "I had an epiphany!" said one conflict coaching participant. "I know what I have to change!" Learning is like light: it helps us to see through the shadows and brings clarity.

More Light

I guess it's trite to say that the light of one candle can pierce the darkness. Trite but true. As more people begin to look at their own responses to conflict, more enlightened practices can take hold. I think of all those people in audiences holding up their lights in the dark. Be the first to shine your light; others will follow and learn from you.

Testimonials

“I was terrified when I came into the court. It seemed like the end of the world. Thanks to my compassionate and understanding mediators, I was able to have a productive conversation with someone I considered an adversary. I couldn’t believe we were able to work it out without going in front of a judge. Thank you MVMP.”

– Small Claims Client

“I was really not looking forward to mediation. But it turned turned out to be relatively pleasant. I really enjoyed working with the two of you. I plan to recommend mediation to others.”

– Divorce Client

“You brought us all together. It was awesome. I am so relieved. All our people felt uplifted, more united and part of a team. In particular one Board member said she felt she was taken care of with kindness and wisdom. We all know each other much better, have defined our work together and are in such better shape than we were when we started. Thank you MVMP.”

– Facilitation Client

“If you have the chance to do Conflict Coaching, DO IT! It was eye opening for me. My coach was kind, insightful and such a great listener. Most importantly, I learned so much about myself and about how I handle conflict. I now have a good, solid conflict management plan for the future.”

– Conflict Coaching Client

“It was valuable to help me handle a current conflict in my workplace. Putting a positive spin on conflict was an eye-opener for me. It gives me a structure to address problems. We had a very serious conflict at work recently so this is very important and relevant to me right now.”

– Workplace Conflict Management Services