Mediation Humor Section
Mediation Humor Articles
Better Reflecting Mediation to the World
While mediators often assist in the creation of near miracles behind closed doors, our miraculous work and effective approaches are still not well-understood by general society. Might a more effective way of "reaching the masses" be to take advantage of "MEDIATION ART," be that in our physical and virtual offices, on our websites, and, perhaps in time, at bus stops and on highway billboards?
Mediator Mugs Breaking Out!
Progress in the mediation field is often a bit abstract, if not illusory. Related, humor in mediation has historically often been frowned upon as risky, if not insensitive. These spells have, however, now seemingly been broken by, of all things, readily available mediator mugs!
Personal Histories in Conflict Resolution Interview Series: Peter Adler
From the Mediate.com interview series -- a conversation with Peter Adler about his chapter in the book Evolution of a Field: Personal Histories in Conflict Resolution.
Cats' Advice on Maintaining Our Mental Balance
A light-hearted comparison of mediators and cats.
Bats, Rattlesnakes, and a Mine Shaft
Mediator Jim Hildreth shares an amusing account of a recent mediation.
Open- v Closed-Ended Questions
I’m about to teach a bit on interviewing and counseling and am using a fun video on different types of questions courtesy of my nieces.
Zoom Fatigue Uncovers Mediators' Secret Weapon
As more mediators practice via Zoom and experience Zoom fatigue, they are discovering something about themselves.
Exploring Mediation in Netflix's Tiger King
Netflix's ubiquitous documentary, Tiger King, is a real-life lesson in the value of mediation over litigation. Whether you're Joe Exotic battling with Carole Baskin, an employee frustrated with a co-worker, or a spouse leaving a marriage, mediation can work efficiently while preserving your sanity, saving you time, and reducing your costs.
Humor, Rapport, and Experience
Sid Lezak describes how he uses humor to lighten the mood of parties coming in and help them focus on what is in their best interests. He also talks about his vast experience and how his responses can be somewhat automatic.
Using MagicEye to Teach the Art of Reframing
“I have heard of your paintings too, well enough; God has given you one face, and you make yourself another.”
Interview with Jeff Krivis
New interview with mediation leader and author Jeff Krivis by Robert Benjamin as part of Mediate's new "The Future of Mediation and Negotiation in Our Culture, Politics and Society" video series.
The Perfect Mediation (humor video)
The Perfect Mediation is a 4 minute video showing how easy mediation can sometimes be. Be sure to to check out all of our continuing education offerings at Mediate.com University.
Resolve-O-Matic (humor video)
Join Chip Rose and Don Saposnek for their tongue-in-check infomercial for Resolve-O-Matic. Hear about all of the many benefits and how Resolve-O-Matic will change your life for the better.
Mediation Training Academy (humor video)
This tongue in cheek video shows two instructors at "The Mediation Academy" discussing mediation fee arrangements and 12 steps to avoid mediator emotional co-dependency. Be sure to to check out all of our continuing education offerings at Mediate.com University.
“Are You Kidding Me!?”: Bringing Humor to the Mediation Process
Mediation is a serious process where serious conflicts are seriously addressed by serious people.
Mediation Gains Popularity in India (video)
This excellent news report from India shows the new Delhi Mediation Center. Unfortunately, it seems that the sign above the door inadvertently says "Meditation Room." Oops!
We Can Work It Out / You Can’t Always Get What You Want
This article looks at musical greats and what their lyrics can teach us about mediation.
Bee in Your Bonnet
The expression “to have a bee in one’s bonnet” has a variety of meanings.
Eye of the Storm Leadership: The Quirky Art of Mugwumps
If you read the articles and blog pieces at www.mediate.com, you stand on ancient shoulders. The impulse to manage conflict constructively goes back 40,000 years and spans 4,000 cultures and language groups.
Mediating Minimally
As the year comes to an end, I am expanding upon a story to which I referred in a previous blog, in the hope that it may provide a couple of useful reminders of what we do as mediators.
It Happened in Mediation - Believe It or Not
The authors have peeled back the protective cloak of confidentiality just enough to provide a glimpse of the wild, the unpredictable, and the utterly preposterous things that have happened in real mediations.
Your Rules/Their Rules in Conflict Management
This article discusses the Zen at the Gym (part 3).
Reading Emotions
A character in Guardians of the Galaxy 2 shows that it is often more important to understand emotions than rational thoughts.
Jack and Jill Go Up a Hill… And Argued No More (Part 2!)
The tribal effect is often deliberately used to manipulate and divide people. It preys upon the “us v them” mentality.
Something Spooky About Conflict
The Boogeyman is real. And he is sitting at the mediation table.