Face Work is a social science discipline that studies a person’s need to Save Face, Protect Face, and Restore Face, thus managing threats to their social image, identity, or standing. The ultimate tool for effective Face Work is hinted at in friar Murray Bodo’s phrase “the Face of a Franciscan.”
Civility and Deception
February 7, 2011 by |
Deception is the most significant barrier to civil discourse.
The Spiritual Conversation
December 3, 2010 by |
In Taming the Wolf mediation begins when the mediator asks “what happened?” It begins when parties “tell their story.”
Mental Shortcuts Can Land You in the Ditch
November 30, 2010 by |
During mediation parties brainstorm creative solutions and negotiate a settlement outcome. They collaborate and create the “script” they will follow in the future. Faulty decision making can sabotage the process.
Taming the Wolf and the Art of Diplomacy
November 15, 2010 by |
This past week I was blessed with the opportunity to present concepts from Taming the Wolf during the Seventh Annual Spirit and Law Convention: The Art of Diplomacy for those in Ministry.
Passions on Fire
September 9, 2010 by |
The recent conflict over the appropriateness of the “near ground zero” site for Imam Rauf’s planned mosque and cultural center has raised passions to new levels as we approach the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. In anticipated recognition of that horrific day and in response to the controversy in Manhattan, Florida pastor Terry Jones announced he planned to burn Qurans in protest.
Mosque in Manhattan
August 18, 2010 by |
The recent dispute regarding plans to build a mosque in Manhattan near “Ground Zero” demonstrates the need for mediated learning conversations that address flashpoints in society. Once such disputes are placed in front of the polarizing lenses of the media, the task of reconciliation becomes more difficult.
Upside Down But Rooted
August 5, 2010 by |
St. Bonaventure, in the introduction to The Tree of Life, notes the value of imagination: “…imagination aids understanding.”
Saint Francis of Assisi: Mediator or Political Activist? Part 3
June 10, 2010 by |
In the previous posts I argued Francis was more likely to act in the tradition of the Great Mediator, Christ, than he was to become a political activist. Francis’ activism, I concluded, would be limited to advocating for a gospel life, not for politics.
New Path to Immigration Reform
In a new Taming the Wolf White Paper I discuss the use of mediation techniques to foster convening in large-scale conflict that has hit impasse.