Focus on Relationships to Increase Collaboration

Even in a short time-frame mediation, like those that I do in Small Claims Court, an initial focus on relationships  and process pays off.  If people are ok with what’s going down, process-wise, and nobody is getting bullied, then what flows after, e.g., the “facts”, seems to have more traction. I believe this same philosophy [...]

What’s your default?

Two months ago, the default rule for setting out my garbage and compost changed.  It used to be that I placed all garbage and compost into one type of container.  That container was picked up by the City and taken to the local landfill.  That changed.  Now the City provides two types of containers, one [...]

The Neighbourhood Stroll Habit: A way to recharge your collaborative mindset

When I’m working at my home office, by mid-day I’m usually ready for some outside time.  Fortunately I live in an inviting neighbourhood.  A short stroll in my ‘hood helps recharge my batteries.  And when the batteries are charged, its easier to do those good things: focus, listening, empathy… associated with the collaborative mindset. On the [...]

Community Facilitators: Want to help someone? Shut up and listen!

The title said, “Want to help someone? Shut up and listen!”.  The title got my attention.  It comes from a recent TEDx presentation delivered by Ernesto Sirolli, in New Zealand.  The title drew me in.  The content kept me. Sirolli has worked for 40 years in the field of economic and community development.  His orientation [...]

11 Ways to Commit to Restorative Justice Practices

When relationships don’t  matter, we are more inclined to do bad things.  There has been a lot of media in my neck of the woods this fall, around broken relationships, and doing bad things. I think there is no time like this time, to focus more on our relationships to each other, as a measure [...]