We often talk about the importance of reflective practice in conflict work—but sometimes we are not clear about why it is so beneficial, what it actually looks like in action, and why is it sometimes so hard to do? In recent Conflict Leadership Program sessions, a range of experienced and emerging practitioners gathered to share […]
By Dr Samantha Hardy Inspired by Jennifer L. Schulz (2023). Mediator Liability 23 Years Later: The “Three C’s” of Case Law, Codes, & Custom. Ottawa Law Review / Revue de droit d’Ottawa, 55(1):151–186. Available at: https://doi.org/10.7202/1112508ar A Quiet Assumption For many of us working in the mediation field, there’s a quiet assumption we rarely question:
Are Mediators Ever Liable? Rethinking Accountability in Our Practice Read More »
While this article is about the development of mediation as a field in the U.S. most of the points made apply equally to the Australia context. Welsh describes the idealised introduction of mediation in the 1970s as a “democracy-and-self-determination-enhancing, social justice ethos” which then became institutionalised into a process aimed solely at getting parties from
Imagine walking into a workplace where people feel anxious, silenced, or wary of one another. Collaboration slows. Creativity wanes. Absenteeism creeps up. Resignations start to pile in. What you’re witnessing isn’t just poor culture—it’s a breach of psychosocial safety. For leaders navigating an increasingly complex and people-focused workplace, this concept has never been more important.
Why Good Conflict Management Is Essential for Psychosocial Safety Read More »
If you’ve been thinking about gaining formal mediation skills — whether to launch your own conflict resolution practice, strengthen your leadership or HR capabilities, or simply become a more skilled communicator — this is your opportunity. The Conflict Management Academy is offering a brand-new Facilitative Mediation Course, combining flexible online study with an inspiring, in-person
Now’s the Time to Train as a Mediator! Read More »
Most mediators begin their journey solo — managing the process, reading the room, responding to shifting dynamics, and carrying the emotional load of conflict all on their own. But what happens when two mediators share that space? Co-mediation is a powerful alternative model where two practitioners work together to facilitate a mediation process. It’s more
Co-Mediation: A Reflective Guide to Working Together in Conflict Resolution Read More »
The Conflict Management Academy offers regular Business Brainstorming Sessions as an accompaniment to our Beyond the Table course. These sessions are facilitated by experienced mediator and successful business owner Megan Lewis. Here are some of the key insights and tips shared in the last session. Building a successful mediation practice takes more than just excellent
Growing a Mediation Practice: Practical Insights from the Field Read More »
By Samantha Hardy and Claire Holland Mediators play a crucial role in helping parties resolve disputes, but can they actually provide advice? The answer is more nuanced than it may initially appear. In Australia, mediation is predominantly a facilitative process, meaning mediators do not make decisions for the parties. However, there are circumstances where a
Can a Mediator Provide Advice? Understanding the Boundaries in Australia Read More »
In one of our recent masterclasses at The Conflict Management Academy, we discussed some of our recent learning from Dr Emily Skinner and Professor Elizabeth Stokoe, and workshopped improved ways to describe what we do. Here’s a summary of what we came up with. Thanks to participants (Debra Farrelly, Deb Black, Peter Hanson, Nurit Zubery,
How We Describe What We Do: A Guide for Mediators Read More »
Recently, we had the privilege of hosting Professor Elizabeth Stokoe for a webinar on her research into how intake staff at UK mediation centres communicate with callers seeking information. As a psychologist specializing in conversation analysis, Professor Stokoe examines real interactions rather than those happening in artificial experimental settings. Her work provides valuable insights for
The Subtle Art of Impartiality: Lessons from Conversation Analysis Read More »