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Archive for Conflict Resolution Skills

17 Mar

Workshop at the 2020 PA Council of Mediators Conference

Note: When this conference was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, I was invited to convert my content to webinar format and offer it as the Pennsylvania Council of Mediator’s inaugural webinar. The program was co-hosted by PCM and the Chester County Bar Association. The recording is available through the Bar Association.

I’m pleased to have been selected to deliver workshop again at the Pennsylvania Council of Mediators Annual Conference, May 1-2 in Harrisburg. The workshops is entitled ” What is Tone Policing and Why Every Conflict Resolution Professional Needs to Understand It.”

Tone policing is a popular term used to describe the silencing of a party in a conflict because they are expressing strong emotions. Dig a little further and you find complex dynamics at play: class, race, gender, ableism and other power dynamics as well as messages about what feelings are acceptable and how, or even if, we can show them. This workshop will dive into the details and nuances of: tone policing, how our personal demographics might sway our perceptions of tone policing and whether we might be tone policing, how to differentiate between tone policing and healthy boundaries, and how we as conflict resolution professionals can help address these sensitive and contentious concerns.

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24 Dec

Clear the Air New Year’s Special

You know you that conversation that you’ve been avoiding? Maybe it’s with a family member. Maybe it’s a friend. Or your boss. You’re dreading the conversation, but you know it needs to happen. Rather than letting the problem continue to fester and nag at you, why don’t you plan to tackle it this new year. Try conflict coaching to get ready.

If you schedule and pay for your coaching session by January 20, 2019, you can get 100 minutes of conflict coaching for only $100. This offer is limited to the first 10 people, so don’t delay. That conversation is a key to your fresh start in the new year. Be ready for it!

Contact us to schedule your Clear the Air coaching session.

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31 Oct

Happy Anniversary! Reflections on My First Five Years in Business

On International Conflict Resolution day in October, 2013, I launched Progressive Conflict Solutions.

And by launch, I mean I sent a pretty email to a few hundred of my friends. It showed off a simple website I built myself (it’s been replaced), a logo I lovingly crafted with a designer friend (I still love it), and my vision for providing conflict resolution services. That vision included the hope that clients would leave with “a greater sense of peace, focus, and competence, which [would] help them reach their personal and professional goals.”

Five years later, that’s still my vision. I hope I’ve delivered on it!

I’m grateful for the families, businesses, and organizations that have entrusted me with their challenging conflicts and wishes for better conflict skills. Our work together has resulted in smoother running businesses, mended friendships, newlyweds with clear and non-divisive pre-nups, and siblings at peace with their mutual decisions about caring for their elderly parents. But closest to my heart, are the families that have uncoupled with dignity, respect, and an eye toward a healthy future. I’m honored to have held space for all of you during difficult times, supported you in making informed decisions, and watched you find clarity and optimism about where you want to go and how to get there.

I look forward to the next five years of helping you navigate your bumps and find your path.

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22 Feb

Two Conflict Competence Workshops Offered This Spring

I’m offering two full day workshops from the Building Conflict Competence series this spring with one big change: both workshops will be offered on a pay-what-you-can basis. Previous workshops have been (affordably) priced at $60 each or two for $100, but now you can decide what payment works for you. Past attendees will tell you that the lessons in each workshop are invaluable in all parts of their lives. I hope you will consider joining me.

REAL TALK WITHOUT BURNING BRIDGES, Saturday, March 10, 9:30-4

LISTENING: A SKILL-BUILDING WORKSHOP, Saturday, April 28, 9:30-4

Both workshops employ a combination of lecture, exercises, experiential activities, and take-away practices and are part of the Building Conflict Competence Series. The schedule includes a lunch break. Participants provide their own lunch. There are many dining options in easy walking distance. REGISTER

Location: 24 Veterans Square, Media, PA 19063 (look for the orange and black HeadRoom awning). The space is located on the second floor and access is by steps only.

REAL TALK WITHOUT BURNING BRIDGES

It’s a tough time for real talk. Our political climate is divisive and often uncivil and it’s bleeding into all parts of our lives. So, how to do you engage in civil dialogue and real talk when you are not in agreement? You can learn how and apply it at work, home, social settings, or any where else and do it without burning bridges. What does one learn in a workshop on dialogue? Well, in this one, you learn:
  • A lot about listening
  • A lot about effective questions usually coming from a place of curiosity
  • An overview of what research has shown to change people’s minds and what does not change people’s minds
  • An overview of cognitive bias
  • What we can do to encourage people to listen to us
  • Strategies to manage our internal challenges in dialogue (be it internal dialogues, biases, a choking lump in your throat, fear, a heart that beats so fast you don’t know how you can do it, developing courage, etc.)
  • Regular practices that help built skills and capabilities
  • And more   (NOTE: This workshop was previously titled Secrets to Civil and Productive Dialogue.)

LISTENING: A SKILL-BUILDING WORKSHOP

I’m always writing about the importance of listening (like here and here) and like to share inspiring quotes about it. Now is your chance to build your listening skills in a fun and engaging one day workshop. We’ll build your listening skills for improved performance at work and to strengthen your personal relationships.

Articles Bits Blog Blogs & Bits Communication Conflict Resolution Skills Event Listening Professional Development Workshop
27 Oct

Teaching PA’s Judges About Mediation

I’m pleased to be teaching PA judges about alternative dispute resolution. Retired Judge Stephanie Klein and I will be co-teaching in the Minor Judiciary Education Board Continuing Education Program over 14 weeks from September through May. All of the Commonwealth’s Magisterial District Judges attend these week-long training sessions where they are instructed on a wide variety of issues. We’ve been introducing mediation and arbitration, discussing mandatory mediation and arbitration clauses in contracts, and illustrating the benefits of mediation for conflicts when the relationship between the disputants matter.  It’s an honor to be able to share the important message of ADR with such an influential audience.

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27 Oct

We’re the TOPS! Ranked in the Top 18 Mediators Out of 300 in Philly

 

Did you know of over 300 arbitrators and mediators in the Philly area, I’m ranked one of the top 18? Yep!

Expertise.com looked at 318 arbitrators and mediators in the Philly metro area and evaluated us on reputation, credibility, building customer confidence with licensing, accreditations, and awards, experience, availability, and professionalism. I’m happy to be recognized.

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15 Mar

Our Birthday, Your Deal! (Expires April 30, 2017)

In honor of my BIG birthday (no actual number to be mentioned – but you can infer), I’m offering a gift to YOU. Contact me about conflict coaching before the end of April, and you’ll get the first hour for 50% off. That’s a $80 value to help you prepare for a difficult conversation, understand and improve your conflict responses, or strategize about how to better communicate with that tough person.

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15 Mar

Listening Workshop, April 29

I’m always writing about the importance of listening (like here and here) and like to share inspiring quotes about it. Now is your chance to build your listening skills in a fun and engaging one day workshop. We’ll build your listening skills for improved performance at work and to strengthen your personal relationships.

The workshop employs a combination of lecture, exercises, experiential activities, and take-away practices and is part of the Building Conflict Competence Series. The schedule includes a lunch break. Participants provide their own lunch. There are many dining options in easy walking distance.

 

Be part of the latest offering of our Listening Workshop on Saturday, April 29th, 9:30-4, 24 Veterans Square, Media, PA 19063 (look for the orange and black HeadRoom awning).

Cost of the workshop is $60 per person or $100 for two people. Register today!

Registration
Name and emails of Attendees



Articles Blog Communication Conflict Conflict Resolution Skills Event Listening Professional Development
20 Jan

Secrets to Civil and Productive Dialogue, Saturday, May 20th

I took the Secrets to Civil and Productive Dialogue workshop and highly recommend it. Ellen’s style for running the workshop helped me learn new skills and practice them with others. I left feeling more aware of my own communication style and emotional response, and open to listening to others. I’m more prepared for the difficult conversations that may come my way.

It’s a tough time for productive and civil dialogue. The recent elections have been divisive and often uncivil. But how to do you engage in civil dialogue when you are not in agreement? You can learn how! Join Secrets to Civil and Productive Dialogue, Saturday, May 20th, 9:30-4, 24 Veterans Square, Media, PA 19063 (look for the orange and black HeadRoom awning).
So, you ask, what does one learn in a workshop on dialogue? Well, in this one, you learn:

* A lot about listening
* A lot about effective questions usually coming from a place of curiosity
* An overview of what research has shown to change people’s minds and what does not change people’s minds
* An overview of cognitive bias
* What we can do to encourage people to listen to us
* Strategies to manage our internal challenges in dialogue (be it internal dialogues, biases, a choking lump in your throat, fear, a heart that beats so fast you don’t know how you can do it, developing courage, etc.)
* Regular practices that help built skills and capabilities
* And more

This workshop will build your dialogue skills using a combination of lecture, exercises, experiential activities, and take-away practices. The workshop is part of the Building Conflict Competence Series. The schedule includes a lunch break. Participants provide their own lunch. There are many dining options in easy walking distance.

Cost of the workshop is $60 per person or $100 for two people. Register today!


Registration for Dialogue Workshop May 20, 2017
Name and emails of attendees



Articles Communication Conflict Conflict Resolution Skills Event Professional Development Workshop
01 Oct

Mediation for Your Marriage

“A postnuptial or mediated agreement can help save a couple’s relationship — if that’s their goal.” CNN

I’ve been asked periodically to help mediate for married couples on issues like chores, aspects of communication, and how finances are managed. I always refused but was never sure why. I work with married couples to help them divorce, as well as with siblings, neighbors, business partners, and colleagues to resolve disputes and, hopefully, strengthen their connection and tools for more productive interactions. So why not married couples?

Not long ago, I was approached by a couple to help them with a prenup. I warned them that I’d not done them before. I knew their goals and that they had retained counsel. Much of their plan was effectively divorce planning. That was familiar territory, so I agreed to work with them. What surprised me was how much I loved helping this couple not just navigate “divorce planning” but aspects of how they would manage their relationship and strike that tricky balance between the interests of the individual and the couple – which can be at odds. It was a gratifying process for both me and the couple. I knew I wanted more of this work.

“Preparing a postnup may be a surprisingly cathartic experience for couples. It is an opportunity to analyze their assets, debt, and spending habits, and to look at the impact of financial stress on their emotional lives. Grievances can be aired and insecurities expressed.” Huffington Post

So, I’ve extended my practice to include marriage and pre-marriage mediation. It’s time to leverage my years of knowledge about ending marriages peacefully and strengthening other relationships to help existing love relationships – whether married or not. Pre-nups (or pre-marriage agreements) and post-nups (or agreements within marriages) are a great way to air concerns, address problems, reach agreements, and strengthen your bond.

I’m offering a limited time discount on pre-marital and marital mediation – 25% off mediation services through January 31, 2017. Get a free consultation.

“People also enter into a post nuptial agreement because their goals and priorities have shifted during the marriage. Issues such as child care, household chores, investment decisions, and the like are often made part of the post nuptial agreement, either in response to (or in anticipation of) conflicts and changes of attitude in these areas.” UnderstandEstatePlanning.com

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Progressive Conflict Solutions
24 Veterans Square | Media, PA, 19063 (by appointment only)
Ellen@ progressiveconflictsolutions.com | 610-312-1463

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