<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
<META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
<META content="MSHTML 5.50.4807.2300" name=GENERATOR></HEAD>
<BODY style="MARGIN-TOP: 2px; FONT: 8pt MS Sans Serif; MARGIN-LEFT: 2px">
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Very interesting conversation on mediation and open
space. As a practitioner of both, my exploration of Open Space
facilitation has enhanced mediation, and vice versa. I appreciate
Harrison's comments on upper management who refuse to get involved. Often
during a mediation session it becomes clear that authority outside the room
needs to be involved as the dispute is not about the people in the room. A
session can be stopped while management is made aware, or can proceed with notes
reflecting the issue in the mediated agreement. I know I've
done my best work as a mediator when I hear pe ople ask what I was there for --
similar to Open Space facilitation. Philosophically it is a challenging
question on whether to work with individuals when management prides itself on
inactivity. I have often watched participants in a mediation become aware
of themselves as individuals and as part of a collective. Seeing a change
in themselves, and even a small amount of support for this change allows (as
Kenoli states) "an expansion of perceptions and then possibilities can arise to
meet them."</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I have also worked with children from the 4th grade
on up in peer mediation and watch their growth with interest. Yes, they
face those educators who refuse to acknowlede their talent at solving their own
conflict, critical analysis, and advocacy. At times I've wondered if I am
only supporting them in setting themselves up to fail. There is, however,
an unmistakable spark ......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Mediation, for me, has been a tool to provide a
container where those in conflict can regain their dignity and work
together. When I began to learn the process — I initially paid more
attention to the process than the people. As I quickly integrated
those tools and made them mine, I find a very thin line between them. Open
Space has definitely improved my mediation practice. I also study and
integrate into my practice (read life) indigenous forms of restorative
justice, which also seem like a bridge between mediation and Open Space.
All members of a "community of harm" are invited into the circle and have
input. Like mediation and Open Space there is a process to follow, and
self-healing happens.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The word that jumps out for me is
"invitation". Mediation is most successful when participation is
voluntary. In many mediation sessions, a senior manager or team
leader has recommended mediation — can this be considered voluntary?
In my experience, there are those in mediation and facilitation who seem to
apply a parental model — the mediator as all-knowing parent.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>And, Harrison, as a parent of children approaching
adulthood your comment "Think of one more thing NOT to do" is a great one
--thanks. I keep reminding myself that the less I try to fix them, the
more magnificent they are!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Cheers</DIV>
<DIV>Judi</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>In the beginner's mind there are many
possibilities;<BR>in the expert's mind, there are few. (Suzuki Roshi,
1970)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Pono Consultants International<BR>Facilitation,
Consultation<BR>Genuine Contact<BR>Facilitating the Flow of Inspired
Collaboration<BR>(902) 435-0308</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>