Why would you want to engage a trained, experienced, neutral person to help resolve difficult disputes or important debates?

 

Conflict is inevitable.  We can’t progress or thrive without it. It drives creation and innovation.

 

And yet, conflict can be destructive. It sucks in time and energy. It diverts attention away from the important issues. It costs a lot of money. Unchecked, it destroys reputations and wrecks lives. In my career, I've seen more than enough destructive conflict.

​

So, what can we do?

​

We can harness and nurture good, constructive differences. We can debate ideas and plans and let people have their say. We can listen - I mean real, active listening, not just waiting for our turn to speak. We can forge a common purpose and build a culture of joint responsibility. That way, great things can be achieved.

​

We can also manage and transform destructive conflict. We can throw a cordon around it and say “Hold on a minute! Let’s take a step back.” We can create a safe space in which difficult messages can be rehearsed and other people’s viewpoints can be tried out for size.

​

An experienced and skilled neutral person can act as a catalyst: to help create that safe space and navigate pathways towards solutions.

​

All easy to say, you're probably  thinking. For more on how these things are achieved in practice, head to: How. For more on my experience, head to About.

​

​