Andrew Sims
Specialist Independent Mediation Services
It always seems impossible until it is done.
I specialise in facilitating challenging discussions and negotiations, in situations where communication is either under strain, or has broken down.
When trying to hold difficult discussions - especially where there are deeply held views on all sides - the challenges can seem insurmountable.
Common pitfalls include: the constant risk of interruption; talking at, or talking past each other; meandering off the subject, or going round in circles; the threat of escalation; responding to the use of inflammatory language or personal accusations; dwelling unduly on the past; dealing with partial or differing recollections; fixating on who is to blame; trying to overcome a deadlock; and resisting the temptation to walk out.
It is hardly surprising, when faced with such challenges, that many people stop talking to each other altogether.
I help people who are in conflict with each other, to have constructive discussions leading to good outcomes for all concerned.
