Hello Everyone,

Two weeks ago I was asked to be the mediator for a workplace conflict that had been festering for over three years. The impact of this was low morale and very low productivity for not just the two people directly involved but the whole workplace. Something had to change otherwise court proceedings were clearly on the agenda.
It was obvious to me that both parties had no idea what was happening to the other. Nor could they see how they were responsible for the situation – not to blame but rather, how they may have contributed in some way. Using the skills of conflict coaching and mediation the situation was resolved and peace and workability now reign.

This conflict again made me realise how lucky we are to have moved forward in our thinking. Once upon a time the only way to resolve conflict was to fight but now mediation and communication are seen as far more beneficial. There is a new belief – everything can be resolved in communication. Actually even when wars are over the communication has to start. So why not communicate before things get out of control? Thank goodness this is also happening at the global level too.

Even though we live on the other side of the world, we are so connected via technology that we do know what is happening around the globe. No doubt you are aware of the financial crisis that is gripping a number of European countries, especially Greece. Lindsay Tanner our federal Finance Minister has recently made some very exciting comments to make me think that peace on the planet is possible.

Australian Federal Minister Tanner pointed out that traditionally European economies in such a mess would usually lead to a situation of war and conquest. But through communication, agreements, negotiation, the euro and the European Union, there is now a high level of connectedness and international co-operation. Although in Australia we tend to only hear about the terrible things that are happening around the world in fact this incredible level of co-operation should be acknowledged as a landmark event for humanity.

Our thinking about conflict has transformed. The present events in Europe a couple of generations ago would have been handled very differently and military conflict would have been a feature. Co-operation and communication are now the cornerstones of civilised societies.

At present throughout the world is  a group of professionals who are committed to developing their skills in this area - they are called facilitators. A facilitator is an individual whose job is to help incorporate all voices in problem solving. For it is when everyone feels truly heard and their opinions respected that a resolution is possible and lasting.  And this surely is the way forward for the planet!