MEDIATION IS LIKE MAKING COMPOST
Finding Insights in the Garden: Lessons from Mediation Before convening a formal mediation meeting, I always have several private conversations with each party. This approach allows me to delve deeper into their perspectives and uncover the underlying issues. I ask questions that provoke introspection: Did the other person make you feel demeaned? What was […]
About Assumptions in Difficult Conversations
The Assumptions We Make in Difficult Conversations – And Why They Matter We’ve all been there, caught in the heat of a difficult conversation, where things start to spiral, and suddenly, it feels like there’s no way out. Whether it’s with a colleague, a friend, or a family member, these conversations have a way of […]
Family Violence Is Rising—But Are We Brave Enough to Name the Real Causes?
There is a strong tendency in the media to focus on solutions to problems rather than attempting to understand the problem fully and thus being able to craft both emergency short-term responses to a crisis but also a longer term strategy at shifting the influences that caused the problem. In this blog Delphine looks at the failure to consider the factors underpinning the rise in family violence, and makes a case for deeper more deliberate exploration, in addition to offering the short term solutions.
Yes, Context is Very Important
Difficult conversations are those conversations that can be emotionally charged and can result in conflict or discomfort. In such conversations, context plays a crucial role in providing meaning to what is being said. In fact, context is often what makes these conversations difficult in the first place. Without the proper context, it can be easy […]
What is Mothers’ Day to me?
Ouma van Wyk – Ma – Ouma du Toit. I never aspired to be a mother. To me what was normal was this: Girls grow up, they start dating, they meet a guy, they fall in love, they get married, they have babies. My life started before The Pill and abortions were unheard […]
When your coaching client gives back in spades
We’re 17 days into the new year and I’ve had more things go wrong in this short time than I care to speak about, in case I fall into the trap of thinking like a victim. I travelled into the city the other day to meet a client: She’s in a senior leadership role in […]
Networking and Business Cards
When you start out as an entrepreneur, networking can feel daunting yet exciting. It’s not just about handing out business cards; it’s about making genuine connections and leaving a lasting impression. Discover the essential rules of networking, the importance of follow-up, and the lessons learned from both successful and failed attempts. From beautifully designed cards to the reality of clutter, this journey reveals the true value of relationships built through networking. Join me as I share insights and experiences that highlight the power of connection in business and beyond.
TENACITY AND RESILIENCE
<658 words> I have a sideways pear tree in my backyard. It fell over some years ago before I moved here, so I don’t know what happened. But, by the time I moved in, it had developed a very different stance from what one normally expects of a pear tree. The main trunk, about 20 feet […]
Being a mother-in-law is no joke
“Mother-in-law” – The most maligned role in our society. Does any little girl ever dream of becoming a mother-in-law? When you were pregnant with your baby (who is now your adult offspring who is married), were you eagerly anticipating becoming a mother-in-law? If you answered ‘Yes’ to either of these questions I’d love to know how […]
Alyce doesn’t live here anymore
<1340 words> Alyce fell in her basement a couple of months ago. She banged the back of her head quite hard but came away without any major injuries. There were some long-term effects though. Alyce, who has been living alone on her farm since her husband died about fifteen years ago, had become nervous about staying […]