Respect is quite often the most important catalyst for resolving conflicts. It’s not always easy to offer to an opponent, in part due to conflicting ideas of what “respect” means. Respectful conflict resolution requires active listening, empathy and a proactive approach to future conflicts. In this article, we’ll discuss the power of respect and how to use it to resolve conflicts effectively.
Conflict is a normal part of family life. As a mediator, you have the skills to facilitate peaceful resolutions to conflicts, but it can be challenging to apply them so close to home. In this article, we'll discuss how mediators can be the peacemakers in their own family conflicts by providing strategies for identifying unique considerations, assessing the situation before engaging, addressing power dynamics between family members and recognizing the limitations.
Family gatherings can bring feelings of warmth, excitement and joy. Like most of us these days, you may also be bracing yourself for dreaded toxic political conversations. A couple of my peers and I wondered what happened to simpler times, when people had healthy debates on front porches. From those musings, we developed a project called Porch Talks, to guide conversations from toxic to healthy. I have lifted some of those ideas to share six simple ways to prevent family gatherings from being derailed by politics.
