Course Information:

Neutrals often receive training on mediation skills and techniques that assist the parties in gaining helpful perspectives for resolving their differences but not training in the critical self-awareness skills necessary for the most effective delivery of neutral interventions.  However, a neutral’s ability to maintain their impartial mental distance from a dispute can be impaired on a subconscious level by the brain’s evolutionary functions. Unfortunately we may be totally unaware of these subconscious and instinctive mental processes that can impact our ability to remain in the ‘third side’ perimeter of a dispute where we can be ‘consciously competent.’

This course will touch on the brain processes at work in conflict for the neutral and the parties.  Following this session, participants should be able to identify the types of thoughts and perceptions that can be automatically generated by our brains, distinguish the neuro-processes responsible for common behaviors and reactions; recognize cues that inform a neutral that subconscious brain functions may be controlling their and the parties’ behavior and emotional responses; and begin to develop strategies for improving their own conflict self-awareness.

This course will benefit neutrals such as mediators and facilitators as well as those in leadership positions who wish to be more effective catalysts for dispute resolution and problem-solving.

Please note: Some but not all of the Consciously Competent Neutral content is also covered in the full-day “Art of Inquiry” program