MOVING BEYOND IMPASSE
November 2, 2010
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
This workshop will...
- enhance and deepen your mediation practice.
- enable you to help parties connect in a new way.
Moving Beyond Impasse:
How Dialogue Works at the Mediation Table (1-day)
When mediations reach impasse, principles developed in the field of dialogue can be used to create new momentum. The stance and practice of the mediator are key factors that enable this process. Many mediators have found that thinking and practices drawn from the field of dialogue can equip them to operate at a new level with parties: one that invites the parties to connect with others engaged in the conversation, break logjams and move forward. This workshop offers an opportunity for mediators to explore how the tools of dialogue can enhance their practices. It will be led by two highly-regarded practitioner/trainers, each skilled in the disciplines of dialogue and mediation. The learning will involve role-play, fishbowl simulation, presentation, discussion and coaching. Participants will:
How Dialogue Works at the Mediation Table (1-day)
When mediations reach impasse, principles developed in the field of dialogue can be used to create new momentum. The stance and practice of the mediator are key factors that enable this process. Many mediators have found that thinking and practices drawn from the field of dialogue can equip them to operate at a new level with parties: one that invites the parties to connect with others engaged in the conversation, break logjams and move forward. This workshop offers an opportunity for mediators to explore how the tools of dialogue can enhance their practices. It will be led by two highly-regarded practitioner/trainers, each skilled in the disciplines of dialogue and mediation. The learning will involve role-play, fishbowl simulation, presentation, discussion and coaching. Participants will:
- Distinguish a person-focused from a problem-focused stance
- Understand how dialogue structures and design ideas can enhance mutual understanding
- Distinguish questions that are intended to serve the parties from those serving the mediator
- Practice asking "questions in service of the asked"
- Understand the value of ambiguity and uncertainty
- Practice engaging parties in empathic, as opposed to solution-focused, ways
- Weave stories from their practice into the fabric of group learning
- Receive coaching from their peers and the facilitators
Melissa Brodrick is the Ombudsperson for Harvard’s Medical School, School of Dental Medicine and School of Public Health. In this role she is a designated impartial and independent dispute resolution practitioner whose major function is to provide confidential and informal assistance to faculty, staff, students and trainees. Additionally, since 1985 Melissa has served as a mediator, trainer and facilitator, helping clients engage in effective communications and problem-solving while navigating high-impact workplace and family issues.
Bob Stains is the Senior VP of Public Conversations Project. Bob has been active in Public Conversations Project’s work of creating constructive conversations among opponents on issues of sexual orientation, religion, abortion, gender, social class and race. In addition, he trains other senior practitioners in the PCP approach and provides consultation to academic, civic and religious leaders. He consults to the Interpersonal Skills Component of the Harvard Negotiation Project at Harvard Law School, sits on the Board of Directors of The Democracy Imperative and serves as a Guest Scholar Practitioner for the Dialogue, Deliberation and Public Engagement Program at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA. He also maintains a private mediation, training and consulting practice in Danvers, MA.
The Public Conversations Project's workshops have limited enrollments, sliding-scale fees, and offer CE credits through NBCC and MAMFT. Workshop costs range from $125 to $250 per day, depending on location.
