| Conferencing is my favorite tool to help
groups resolve conflicts. Where the legal system tends to amplify
conflict and mediation often minimizes conflict in order to
reach a win/win, conferencing can be said to transform conflict.
Conferencing enables authentic emotions that exist in the group
to surface. Grievances are thoroughly aired such that, in the
final stage, but not before the participants are ready, solid
and lasting outcomes are possible in the collaborative process.
What is Conferencing?
Conferencing is a facilitated conversation among the community
of people (generally up to 40) affected by a dispute, series
of disputes or a underlying tension that needs to be addressed.
Participants share their views on what has happened and how
each person has been affected. They then draw on their personal
knowledge of the situation to arrive collaboratively at an
outcome. In the process, participants change the nature of
their relationships to each other, from conflict to cooperation;
a transformation of conflict.
The key to the transformation of conflict into cooperation
lies in this increased understanding of the situation, combined
with the active involvement in a collaborative search for
the best solution. Conferencing makes each conflict an opportunity
for participants to learn more about themselves and others
Who can use Conferencing?
Conferencing is ideal for group disputes in the workplace,
industry, school or community. It is currently used by Juvenile
Justice in several Australian states and overseas. Participants
report high levels of satisfaction.
Typical disputes include:
- Racist, sexist behavior, harassment, bullying or violence
in a school, community, workplace or organization such as
a sporting club.
- Issues of declining productivity or morale in the workplace
or team
- Chronic disputes between labor and management.
- Communication styles causing widespread resentment among
staff, student, workers or team members.
- Issues of safety and respect in the workplace, school
or community.
Please contact
me if you wish to have me prepare a conference for your
group. Different formats are available depending on the
issues, numbers involved and workplace, school or community
situation.
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