Mediation Matters Adam Gersch

In this conversation, Meriel Shindler, Head of Employment at Withers LLP, discusses her background as an employment lawyer and mediator and her experience writing a book about her family history. She highlights the importance of storytelling in law and the power of mediation in resolving workplace disputes. Meriel emphasizes the need for early intervention in conflicts and the role of lawyers as strategic advisors. She also discusses the fragility of memory in legal cases and the importance of perspective-taking in mediation. Overall, Meriel provides valuable insights into the intersection of law, storytelling, and mediation.
Takeaways
Storytelling is crucial in law, allowing clients to express themselves and bringing out their voices.Mediation empowers clients by allowing them to be in the driving seat and tell their stories.Early intervention in workplace disputes can prevent lengthy litigation and achieve more holistic resolutions.Lawyers should listen actively to their clients and consider the strategic and business aspects of their cases.Perspective-taking and reframing can help shift views and facilitate resolution in mediation.

In this conversation, Michael Cody, the Chief Operating Officer of AquaSource, shares insights on workplace culture, conflict resolution, and boosting staff engagement. He emphasizes the importance of understanding conflict as a tool for creation and the need for healthy conflict within organizations. Michael also discusses the role of individual perspectives and personalities in managing conflicts and Adam highlights the value of higher-order skills, such as emotional intelligence and authenticity, in leadership. They share practical strategies for creating a clear social contract, involving everyone in the organization, and making space for all voices. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of trust, vulnerability, and effective communication in resolving conflicts and building a positive workplace culture. Adam and Michael also discuss the methodical review process for identifying principal themes. They emphasize the importance of comprehensively exploring each theme and provide insights on consolidating subtopics. They also discuss the creation of captivating chapter titles and the recording of starting timestamps. The conversation concludes with a reminder to emphasize fewer, more expansive chapters for a better listener experience.

In this conversation, Adam is joined by Wendy Shand, an entrepreneur and business coach, who shares her journey from marketing to building a successful business in the travel industry. She discusses the impact of the pandemic on her business and the lessons she learned from tough conversations during that time. Wendy emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and human interaction in conflict management and workplace culture. She also highlights the significance of having a clear vision and values in driving a business forward.
Takeaways
Building a successful business requires adapting to challenges and finding innovative solutions.Emotional intelligence and effective communication are crucial in managing tough conversations and conflicts.Creating a positive workplace culture involves aligning values, recognizing and rewarding employees, and fostering a sense of purpose.Human interaction and emotional intelligence are essential in a technology-driven world.

Adam is joined by a leading conflict mediator, coach and author, Dana Caspersen. Dana is the author of 'Changing the Conversation: The 17 Principles of Conflict Resolution' and shares her journey to become an expert in the field and how she applied her career experience in theatre and dance to conflict mediation. Dana expresses how conflict can be an opportunity for growth and progress when managed in a framework of self-awareness and an integrated approach. 

Adam is joined by Ruth Frank on this episode of Mediation Matters. Ruth has built her career working in the human resources industry, helping companies navigate conflict in the workplace. Ruth is a skilled negotiator, HR consultant, coach, and expert in employee relations and HR Policies. 

Adam is joined by Enda Young, Managing Director of Mediation Northern Ireland for this episode of Mediation Matters. Enda is an experienced mediator with over two decades in the sector. He tells us how he switched from mechanical engineering to a mediation career after being involved in the dialogue around the Northern Ireland conflict at a young age. After attending a one-day training on mediation, Enda asked himself how he could do this for the rest of his life. He shares the chronicles of his work in this discussion with Adam and outlines the skills needed to be a great mediator.