| Hello Everyone, | | | | European countries, especially Greece. Lindsay Tanner |
| Two weeks ago I was asked to be the mediator for a | | | | our federal Finance Minister has recently made some |
| workplace conflict that had been festering for over | | | | very exciting comments to make me think that peace |
| three years. The impact of this was low morale and | | | | on the planet is possible. |
| very low productivity for not just the two people | | | | Australian Federal Minister Tanner pointed out that |
| directly involved but the whole workplace. Something | | | | traditionally European economies in such a mess would |
| had to change otherwise court proceedings were | | | | usually lead to a situation of war and conquest. But |
| clearly on the agenda. | | | | through communication, agreements, negotiation, the |
| It was obvious to me that both parties had no idea | | | | euro and the European Union, there is now a high level |
| what was happening to the other. Nor could they see | | | | of connectedness and international co-operation. |
| how they were responsible for the situation – not to | | | | Although in Australia we tend to only hear about the |
| blame but rather, how they may have contributed in | | | | terrible things that are happening around the world in |
| some way. Using the skills of conflict coaching and | | | | fact this incredible level of co-operation should be |
| mediation the situation was resolved and peace and | | | | acknowledged as a landmark event for humanity. |
| workability now reign. | | | | Our thinking about conflict has transformed. The |
| This conflict again made me realise how lucky we are | | | | present events in Europe a couple of generations ago |
| to have moved forward in our thinking. Once upon a | | | | would have been handled very differently and military |
| time the only way to resolve conflict was to fight but | | | | conflict would have been a feature. Co-operation and |
| now mediation and communication are seen as far | | | | communication are now the cornerstones of civilised |
| more beneficial. There is a new belief – everything | | | | societies. |
| can be resolved in communication. Actually even when | | | | At present throughout the world is a group of |
| wars are over the communication has to start. So | | | | professionals who are committed to developing their |
| why not communicate before things get out of | | | | skills in this area - they are called facilitators. A |
| control? Thank goodness this is also happening at the | | | | facilitator is an individual whose job is to help |
| global level too. | | | | incorporate all voices in problem solving. For it is when |
| Even though we live on the other side of the world, | | | | everyone feels truly heard and their opinions respected |
| we are so connected via technology that we do know | | | | that a resolution is possible and lasting. And this |
| what is happening around the globe. No doubt you are | | | | surely is the way forward for the planet! |
| aware of the financial crisis that is gripping a number of | | | | |