What Is a “Mediative Influence?”

I first came across the phrase “mediative influence” when I read Tammy Lenski’s book, “Making Mediation Your Day Job.” You probably have no influence in making mediation your day job, yet a better understanding of this phrase is helpful for anyone managing people and personalities.

Mediation is a specific conflict resolution process used in lots of different situations all around the world.

Mediators come in all shapes and sizes - and the good ones are great at using empathy and listening skills in stressful situations.

At CM&F, we bring a mediative influence to everything we do - and that means we:

• Co-create solutions with our clients,

  • because mediation is all about people building their own futures.

• Actively listen to our clients,

  • because you can’t help people make change without understanding where they’re coming from, what’s important to them, and what they need right now.

• Focus on creating highly interactive experiences, no matter the location or platform,

  • because different people need different things, but a passive experience at work typically leads to more of the same old thing - not resolutions and changed futures.

• Strive to be highly aware of differences, including differences that may affect power dynamics like those related to hierarchy and position; race, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation; abilities and disabilities; and religion.

  • Because people can’t create the futures they want and need if they are stuck in the same old box, facing stereotyped expectations.

Typically, U.S. workplaces tend to be hierarchical. And, folks tasked with managing people are more focused on compliance with the law and their own chain-of-command than on how they can help people feel safer and achieve more.

At CM&F, our approach to all client engagements is grounded in mediation - even when a mediation conversation isn’t exactly the right fit for you. Helping people feel safer, safe enough to speak what they need even in stressful situation, helps your organization to:

• Be more productive;

• Face new challenges;

• Resolve conflicts;

• Use disagreements to inspire innovation.

How can a mediative influence help your workplace? Let me know.