In this episode, Adam Gersch is joined by Global Mediation panel mediator Laurence Cobb, who discusses his journey from a legal background to becoming a mediator. They discuss the essential skills required for effective mediation and the evolution of mediation within the legal profession and provide insights and advice for those considering a career in mediation. The conversation highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the role of humor in mediation, as well as the changing perceptions of mediation in litigation.

Takeaways

• Laurence Cobb transitioned from a legal career to mediation in 2014.
• Mediators need to possess strong listening skills and emotional intelligence.
• Not all lawyers make good mediators; neutrality is key.
• Humor can be a valuable tool in mediation when used appropriately.
• Mediation has become a normalized part of the legal process.
• Resilience is essential for mediators when dealing with emotional situations.
• Training and ongoing professional development are critical in mediation.
• Mediators must adapt their communication style to their audience.
• The perception of mediation has shifted positively in the legal field.
• Empathy without sympathy is essential for effective mediation.

In this episode of Mediation Matters, Adam Gersch is joined by Jeremy Connell, mediator, psychotherapist, and lawyer. They explore Jeremy's diverse journey into mediation, the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in the field, and the evolving landscape of mediation as a career. Jeremy discusses the significance of storytelling in conflict resolution, creative approaches to mediation, and the future directions for the profession, emphasizing the need for adaptability and curiosity in mediators.

In this conversation, Adam interviews his father, Professor Irvine Gersch, about his journey into mediation and the field's evolution. They discuss how Professor Gersch started as an educational and child psychologist and developed a conciliation service to resolve disputes between parents and local authorities. They also explore the transition from conciliation to independent mediation and the importance of neutrality. The conversation touches on their collaboration in writing a book on special educational needs mediation and the challenges and successes of working together as a family. They conclude with insights on effective communication, understanding different perspectives, and embracing a mindset of tragic optimism.

Key Takeaways

- The journey into mediation often starts from a background in a related field, such as psychology or education.
- The transition from conciliation to independent mediation involves shifting towards neutrality and independence from local authorities.
- Collaboration and effective communication are key to resolving conflicts and maintaining successful working relationships.
- Understanding different perspectives and being open to learning and growth can lead to positive outcomes in conflict resolution.
- Embracing a mindset of tragic optimism allows for resilience and the ability to learn and improve from mistakes and challenges.

In this conversation, Adam interviews Pierre Hazan, a mediator with a diverse career spanning journalism, mediation in armed conflict, and academia. Pierre is also an author, recently publishing his latest book, "Negotiating with the Devil, Inside the World of Armed-Conflict Mediation". They discuss the role of mediation in armed conflict situations and the ethical challenges that mediators face. They also explore the importance of inclusivity in mediation and the complexities of determining who should be at the table. Pierre shares insights from his work in various conflict zones and highlights the need for transitional justice and reconciliation in post-conflict societies. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring mediators.

Key Takeaways:

- Mediation plays a crucial role in armed conflict situations, offering an alternative to military victory and providing a platform for dialogue and negotiation.

- Inclusivity is essential in mediation, but finding the right balance in determining who should be at the table can be challenging.
Ethical considerations are paramount in mediation, particularly in situations where mediators must make difficult choices that may have life-or-death consequences.
Transitional justice and reconciliation are vital in post-conflict societies, requiring a broad definition of justice that includes reparations, truth and reconciliation commissions, and human rights guarantees.
-Mediators must approach each conflict with humility, recognizing their limited impact and the complex dynamics at play.
-Mediation is a constantly evolving field that must adapt to new challenges, such as the role of social media and the involvement of non-state actors like cartels.
-Local mediators often face the greatest risks and challenges in conflict zones, as they may be seen as traitors or spies by their own communities.
-Mediation is not always suitable or successful in every conflict, and mediators must assess the readiness and commitment of the parties involved.
-Starting with local mediation can provide valuable experience and understanding of the social and political dynamics necessary for effective mediation.
-Mediation matters because it offers a path to peace and justice, even in the most complex and challenging conflicts.

In this conversation, Meriel Shindler, Head of Employment at Withers LLP, discusses her background as an employment lawyer and mediator and her experience writing a book about her family history. She highlights the importance of storytelling in law and the power of mediation in resolving workplace disputes. Meriel emphasizes the need for early intervention in conflicts and the role of lawyers as strategic advisors. She also discusses the fragility of memory in legal cases and the importance of perspective-taking in mediation. Overall, Meriel provides valuable insights into the intersection of law, storytelling, and mediation.

Takeaways

• Storytelling is crucial in law, allowing clients to express themselves and bringing out their voices.
• Mediation empowers clients by allowing them to be in the driving seat and tell their stories.
• Early intervention in workplace disputes can prevent lengthy litigation and achieve more holistic resolutions.
• Lawyers should listen actively to their clients and consider the strategic and business aspects of their cases.
• Perspective-taking and reframing can help shift views and facilitate resolution in mediation.

In this conversation, Michael Cody, the Chief Operating Officer of AquaSource, shares insights on workplace culture, conflict resolution, and boosting staff engagement. He emphasizes the importance of understanding conflict as a tool for creation and the need for healthy conflict within organizations. Michael also discusses the role of individual perspectives and personalities in managing conflicts and Adam highlights the value of higher-order skills, such as emotional intelligence and authenticity, in leadership. They share practical strategies for creating a clear social contract, involving everyone in the organization, and making space for all voices. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of trust, vulnerability, and effective communication in resolving conflicts and building a positive workplace culture. Adam and Michael also discuss the methodical review process for identifying principal themes. They emphasize the importance of comprehensively exploring each theme and provide insights on consolidating subtopics. They also discuss the creation of captivating chapter titles and the recording of starting timestamps. The conversation concludes with a reminder to emphasize fewer, more expansive chapters for a better listener experience.

In this conversation, Adam is joined by Wendy Shand, an entrepreneur and business coach, who shares her journey from marketing to building a successful business in the travel industry. She discusses the impact of the pandemic on her business and the lessons she learned from tough conversations during that time. Wendy emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and human interaction in conflict management and workplace culture. She also highlights the significance of having a clear vision and values in driving a business forward.

Takeaways

• Building a successful business requires adapting to challenges and finding innovative solutions.
• Emotional intelligence and effective communication are crucial in managing tough conversations and conflicts.
• Creating a positive workplace culture involves aligning values, recognizing and rewarding employees, and fostering a sense of purpose.
• Human interaction and emotional intelligence are essential in a technology-driven world.

Adam is joined by a leading conflict mediator, coach and author, Dana Caspersen. Dana is the author of 'Changing the Conversation: The 17 Principles of Conflict Resolution' and shares her journey to become an expert in the field and how she applied her career experience in theatre and dance to conflict mediation. Dana expresses how conflict can be an opportunity for growth and progress when managed in a framework of self-awareness and an integrated approach.