Within the culture of the Church, typically we handle conflict in three ways: we exercise power; we seek adjudication based on our rights; or we negotiate with our brother and seek to satisfy both our interests. We turn to power, rights, or interests.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 5
March 12, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 4
March 12, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
The mediation discipline stresses process. Parties tend to put attention solely on substance, failing to recognize that how they go about resolving disputes is critical. If the process does not promise and deliver safety and hope and actively promote willingness to participate, the effort goes nowhere.
Face of a Franciscan
September 1, 2011 by | Leave a Comment
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.”
New Path to Immigration Reform
April 11, 2011 by |
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.
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.
Why They Left the Church
In this recent video Father Robert Barron reflects on a survey that polled Catholics who left the Church, asking them why they departed.