It always seems impossible until it is done.
Nelson Mandela
Andrew Sims
Specialist independent mediation services
I specialise in facilitating challenging discussions where communication is under strain, negotiations are stalling, or help is needed to make difficult decisions on a way forward.
When trying to hold difficult discussions - especially where there are deeply held views on all sides - the challenges can seem insurmountable.
Common pitfalls include: talking at, or past each other; the constant risk of interruption; going round in circles; meandering off the subject; being drawn into tit-for-tat sniping or recrimination; how best to respond to a raised voice, a harsh tone, the use of inflammatory language or a personal accusation; dwelling unduly on what has happened in the past; fixating on who is to blame; dealing with differing, or partial recollections; 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.
My job is to help people who are in conflict with each other, to have constructive discussions leading to good outcomes for all concerned.
