It always seems impossible until it is done.
Nelson Mandela
Andrew Sims
Specialist Independent Mediation Service
I help people who are in conflict with each other, to have constructive discussions leading to good outcomes for all concerned.
When trying to hold difficult discussions - especially where there are deeply held views on all sides - the challenges can seem insurmountable.
Pitfalls include talking at, over, or past each other; the constant risk of interruption; meandering off the subject, or going round in circles; being drawn into tit-for-tat sniping, or recrimination; deciding on how best to respond to a raised voice, a harsh tone, the use of inflammatory language, or a personal accusation; fixating on who is to blame; dealing with differing, or partial recollections, or dwelling unduly on what has happened in the past; trying to overcome a deadlock; and resisting the temptation to walk away.
It is hardly surprising, when faced with such challenges, that many people stop talking to each other altogether.
I help difficult discussions to take place where communication is under strain, negotiations are stalling, or support is needed to make practical decisions on a way forward.
