When Faltering Happens
<1312 words> Faltering can happen any time, no matter how well prepared you are and how experienced and skilled and everything. No doubt faltering has many… Read More »When Faltering Happens
My Story of an African Farm
<1156 words> Apparently it was necessary for me to have a crazy dream of registering for a farmers’ expo here in Nova Scotia. The rule was… Read More »My Story of an African Farm
Conflict Management Starts with Self
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Recipe for Conflict
A minimum of two people and an issue on which they disagree.
Add to the recipe the factors that the people each bring into the relationship:
Values, Culture & Triggers
Our values are what we judge to be important in life: our personal principles. The rules we live by. They typically originate in our culture but over time our values may shift as our relationship with our culture shifts (e.g. young adults and their elderly parents may share a culture but have very different values as regards to how kids are raised; dealing with garbage; ethnic diversity, and so on).
“Culture is the collective programming of the mind that distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from others.”[1]
Triggers: What sets you off causes a quick change in your mood/attitude, rooted often in values or cultural practices you hold dear would be called a trigger. For example a South African grandmother whose half-Japanese grandson slurps his tea. Tea slurping is what one does in Japanese culture. Not so in ‘polite society’ in South Africa.
Conflict Style & Skill Level
RESPECT & CURIOSITY: On Elephants and Others
<1281 words> I have a great deal of respect for wild elephants and am careful to show that respect by backing out of their way when… Read More »RESPECT & CURIOSITY: On Elephants and Others
Like a River Flows
<1230 words> They say that our thoughts naturally turn to contemplation of the future when we watch water in motion. When I was about to turn… Read More »Like a River Flows
The Roads Less Travelled
<1197 words> Twice in the past 48 hours my GPS on my not so smart phone encouraged me onto roads very infrequently travelled. My… Read More »The Roads Less Travelled
PADDLING YOUR OWN CANOE
<1412 words> My summers in Nova Scotia are defined by the number of kayaking adventures I can pack into a week. Sometimes I go out… Read More »PADDLING YOUR OWN CANOE
The Speed of Trust – reflections upon
<1344 words> My son gave me a Vitamix for Christmas. I’ve become pretty proficient at creating interesting and sometimes compelling smooth greenies as a result. I’ve… Read More »The Speed of Trust – reflections upon
Four Decades of Being a ‘Senior’
<1243 words> FOUR DECADES OF BEING A ‘SENIOR’ WARRANTS A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DIFFERENCES There are more and more forecasts that more and more of… Read More »Four Decades of Being a ‘Senior’
“Eat your peas” and Conflict Resolution
<436 words> I was recently asked about my background in conflict management/resolution, and specifically, how many years’ experience I have in the field. I… Read More »“Eat your peas” and Conflict Resolution