Grit. Sweat. Stamina. Focus. Quarantine.
I just finished an inspiring article about Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, a Danish bike rider whose chance to compete in this year’s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad crumbled. This 24 year old had trained strenuously to race with her new team. Yet, suddenly, she faced a two-week minimum quarantine in Spain if she did not return abruptly home.
The article? Uttrup Ludwig: Coronavirus puts things in perspective.
Ludwig could have been furious. She could have faced a spiral downward into lethargy or resentment. Instead, she stated: “I still have a job, I know I can go out and train on my bike, and that makes me happy. And if this should be restricted in Denmark too, I can still ride on a turbo trainer at home. It helps put things into perspective – in the end, it’s just a bike race; other things are more important than that.”
This led me to think, as I often do, about mediation.
Mediation creates the perfect intent and space to slow down. It provides a forum in which to see a bigger picture and put things in perspective. Yes, there might have been tense moments in prior conversations. Yes, busy schedules and simple (or even blatant) mistakes might have gotten in the way of being heard or respected. And, yes, passions, accusations, and anger might have eroded trust.
Mediation helps clients move past issues into defined interests that can be addressed. No matter how valid your emotions and frustrations have been, it is time to move ahead, By putting the past into perspective, the road to resolution makes new ideas, creative solutions and stronger relationships possible.
In Frenkle and Stark’s, “The Practice of Mediation: A Video-Integrated Text”, videos show the magic that happens within well-structured yet open mediation. They write about “putting things in perspective: focusing on interests and exploring the costs of not reaching agreement.” Successful mediators help parties keep their eyes on the prize: a clean slate and positive way forward. Luckily, once parties commit to mediation, they generally truly want resolution. It is the job of the mediator to help navigate the discussion, honor both sides, guide past roadblocks and, yes, help put things in perspective.
Case Study:
I once mediated a situation in which:
Issues:
Interests:
Resolution:
Mediation works. It works through neutrality, confidentiality, and the creation of space designed intentionally for resolution.
Grit. Sweat. Stamina. Focus. Discord.
Yes, it is hard. You might be furious. It is easy to face a downward spiral into lethargy or resentment. Do consider mediation. It puts things into perspective. It is a terrific way forward. And, as you know, forward is the only way to go!
Source: Kenneth Cloke, Politics, Dialogue and the Evolution of Democracy: How to Discuss Race, Abortion, Immigration Gun Control, Climate Change, Same Sex Marriage and Other Hot Topics, GoodMedia Press (2018)...
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