It always seems impossible until it is done.
Nelson Mandela
Andrew Sims
Specialist Independent Mediation Service
I help difficult discussions to take place where communication is under strain, negotiations are stalling, or support is needed to make 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.
Pitfalls include talking at, over, or past each other; the constant risk of interruption; meandering off the subject, or going round in circles; being drawn into tit-for-tat sniping, or recrimination; deciding on how best to respond to a raised voice, a harsh tone, the use of inflammatory language, or a personal accusation; fixating on who is to blame; dealing with differing, or partial recollections, or dwelling unduly on what has happened in the past; 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, have constructive discussions leading to good outcomes for all concerned.
