With 20 years experience in UK companies and conflict zones around the worldTo talk to us now call +44 (0)1273 551850'helping people have hard conversations'
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Conflict can be a very delicate subject. We're a small dedicated team with a great depth of experience, training and practice. We sensitively offer bespoke solutions for your most difficult problems.

Because only transformation can guarantee an end to the pain and inefficiency of conflict

Workplace Mediation

'Being heard' - an essential part of mediation

Mediation provides a safe place for parties to talk about issues and their own wants and needs. The result of talking about what has been troubling you, and have others involved hear you, is very powerful. This rarely happens in everyday work life. When people are heard their feelings and views often shift. They are usually very ready to make an agreement: an action plan of future steps and behaviours.

Our job is to support this shift by helping the parties see themselves, each other and the conflict differently.

We have a very clear understanding of what transformed conflict is, we know the signs, we know how to get there.

Workplace MediationReach an outcome that will leave everyone feeling better and ready to move on.You have conflict in the workplace, maybe team members don't get on, maybe there's a lot of history, some people may not perform, others go sick. Tempers may get frayed in meetings. Work is suffering.According to the CIPD more employers looked to mediation in 2010 than ever before. In short, traditional ways of solving conflict, ultimately ending with warnings, dismissals and ET claims are being challenged by new thinking that provides a strong positive answer to the question:Is it possible to reach an outcome that suits everyone, a real win/win? An outcome that leaves the organisation stronger by coming through the conflict rather than licking its wounds?Mediation, the process of bringing people together in a safe, facilitated meeting, answers a resounding yes to this question. In the process it's saving companies thousands of pounds both in direct ET-related costs and the good relations it harnesses. For mediation to work requires skilled mediators with both a long experience of conflict resolution and an understanding of organisational culture. At MLCT we offer both. We're bespoke conflict resolution specialists.

Mediation saves £'000s

"Employment tribunal claims cost companies on average £20,000 a year, rising to over £210,000 for companies with 10,000 or more staff. But for firms using mediation, only 3 per cent experience employees taking cases to tribunals, the survey of 800 organisations found" - CIPD 2008

Mediation Process
Our mediation process: what we do to ensure your needs are met.Here we've outlined what a typical mediation would involve. However, no two mediations are the same. Call us to find out what sort of process we recommend for you.Before the mediationPrepare and brief all involved thoroughly. This includes 1) ensuring all parties are voluntarily willing to take part and 2) seeing that any other proceedings or process is formally halted.During the mediation Begin by meeting each party separately to listen to what's happening for them. Work with the parties to help them consider how they will express themselves in the joint meeting: the early meetings lay the foundation for the joint meeting that follows.Bring the parties together for the joint meeting. This is where the really hard conversations begin and we bring our years of experience of sitting with people in conflict to bear. Support the parties to find and plan their own next steps, the specific actions, behaviours and thinking they agree to implement from here on. The agreement is drawn up and signed by all parties.The follow upDepending on the situation we might request to see the parties after three weeks, three months and six months to revisit the mediation agreement.What's the cost?Our fees cover the cost of two mediators for the duration of the mediation plus agreed expenses. Expenses usually include travel and sometimes accommodation. Because of the wide scope of mediations we offer it's not practical to list specific costs. We are confident you'll find our prices very competitive and we're also keen that ability to pay shouldn't stop people accessing this vital work.Once we know more about your case we'll give you a definitive price with no hidden extras. We strongly recommend the use of a neutral venue for mediation meetings and we will discuss the costs of this too.Did we mention?If you're not satisfied there's no fee.

Forward looking

"Thanks to you 'Sue' my co-manager and I have been able to plan and recruit to the new post without any of the arguments and silences of the past! Thank you so much!"

Judy - Creche Manager

February 2010

Professional

and

personal

"I remain incredibly impressed with the process and the way this is being implemented.

I am finding this enormously helpful personally and professionally.

Many thanks"

Graham, Project Manager

December 2010

Were

For a sensitive, personal approach to your mediation requirements please call

Andy Mason for a confidential discussion on:

01273 551850

or email andy[at]masonlaporte.org

Company Training
steve and jackie web

Company Training in Conflict Transformation

We train managers of all levels and their staff to transform conflict in their departments.

Our in-house two-day training in conflict transformation gives managers and staff the thinking and skills to:

Understand the sources of conflict and frustration in themselves

Identify the causes of conflict in others

Address these issues with confidence and honesty

Move away from the judgements and positions that characterise entrenched conflict

Build self esteem and respect in the department

In our world-wide experience, conflict is commonly fuelled by the judgements we and others often hold. This training therefore introduces a profound way of thinking that has remarkable results.

The training we cover overlaps with topics such Assertiveness and Dealing With Difficult People , both of which we have covered exstensively in the last twenty years.

Call or email us now for more information and to discuss your requirements.

"Everyone should take this course!!"

Senior HR Strategy Manager

Neopost Ltd

2010

Remember, we provide a dedicated, bespoke service based on years of experiece in companies and conflict zones. To give your staff cutting edge skills for handling conflict or building great relationships call Andy Mason on 01273 551850 or email andy[at]masonlaporte.org

International
International Since 2004 our work with NGOs, the UN and communities has included:1) Pre-departure training for international staff in conflict transformation and living with change2) Training local peace workers in Sri Lanka over 24 months3) Mediating and training communities in Sri Lanka affected by the tsunami to build relationships with local government staff4) Working with local and international NGO staff in Beirut, helping them build trust and use empathy with Iraqi refugees - click here for a full report5) Training senior managers in Egypt to overcome conflict in the board room6) Training UN, Terre des Hommes and Save the Children staff in Beirut to provide Child Protection services led by the needs of local people7) Supporting local staff in Jordan to build relationships with Iraqi refugee families8) Training local staff in southern Lebanon to use non-judgemental thinking and communication to build relationships with children

Iraqis in Beirut
Training Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan group
Learning empathy
Local peace work
Handling anger
Exploring judgements
Having fun
Introducing needs
Exploring needs
Discussing empathy
The violence cycle
Beirut staff training

Inspirational solutions

"The language and skills you provide to stressed and troubled people are really amazing and inspirational"

Dominica D'Arcangelo

Heritage Without Borders

pre departure training

Capitalisation_of_the_Community_Harmonisation_in_Groups_and_Self_final2.doc

We provide a personal, international service:

1) Conflict resolution, community harmonisation and relationship building projects

2) Conflict transformation training for local and international NGOs and the UN

3) Predeparture training in change, do no harm, conflict resolution and culture

About Us
About usAndy Mason MA, Chartered FCIPD, SPCP Mediator, Family MediatorAndy passionately believes that people shouldn't have to live unhappy lives, either in the workplace or the community. This has taken him to practice as a conflict specialist and mediator for twenty years in the UK, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt.He holds a Masters degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Sydney, where he also trained in mediation. Additionally, he's an Internationally Certified Mediator with the Regents College School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in London and additionally trained in Family Mediation with ADRg. He has followed intensive training in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) in the USA with Marshall Rosenberg. He's a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD.His experience spans UK companies like Neopost Ltd, Sun Microsystems, CIMA and Griggs Group, along with the NHS and charities in Brighton and London. Internationally he has trained people from the UN, International NGOs and very many communities affected by war in the Middle East and Sri Lanka. He also works using NVC with couples striving to communicate and constantly practises the same process together with his wife and their young son.Ruud Baanders MBA, NVC MediatorRuud is originally from Holland where he worked in organisational development and coaching for Shell for 20 years. He is a certified coach with the International Coach Federation, has an MBA from Webster University, is qualified in Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) step 1 and 2, is certified in Ken Blanchards High Performance Team process, and has been working for many years with the Nonviolent Communication (NVC) process as developed by Marshall Rosenberg. He is trained in NVC mediation and is a certified facilitator for the "Be The Change" organisation and is active in various environmental groups in the UK. He is also trained in NLP and is a Reiki practitioner. He has many years of experience with coaching, mediating and training of individuals and organisations, in both profit and third sector organisations. He has been managing leadership development programmes, mentoring schemes, and coaching programmes. His clients very much appreciate the environment of trust that he creates to enable them to work on transforming their relationships. It supports them to express their values and passions that enable them in finding a meaningful purpose in their life and work, to set challenging goals and to achieve breakthrough results.He has experience with clients from a multitude of cultures and social backgrounds. He works in English, Dutch and Italian.Sarri BaterSarri is a conflict transformation specialist who is committed to social change. Her core experience was in Sri Lanka where she worked for four years with communities and staff in the East. Sarri is very conscious of the contribution of structural violence in aid settings and has done much to not only build the capacity of local peace workers but also transform the organisations they work for.Her current work explores the synthesis of formal Conflict Transformation and NVC, with the possibilities of Intentional Communities and Ecovillages, most importantly the understanding and use of money and resources nonviolently, as the starting point for long term transformative human rights and peace building work in both modern democratic societies (like the UK) as well as protracted conflict and post-conflict communities (such as Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Palestine and Israel).Sarri has a first class degree in Peace Studies from the University of Bradford, UK.Madeleine Turner LLB (Hons), Medaitor and Family MediatorMadeleine has an honours Degree in Law from the University of Manchester and she qualified as a solicitor in 1993, specialising in Professional Negligence and Contentious Probate, becoming a professional member of CTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists) in 2001. During her 13 years as a solicitor with Irwin Mitchell (a Legal 500 firm specialising in Litigation with whom she was appointed an Associate 2001) she saw at first hand the devastation both personally and financially of pursuing disputes through the courts. As a result she has a deep faith in and commitment to mediation. She says:‘"Mediation preserves a person’s integrity, autonomy, self respect and sense of justice. It heals and builds trust and openness between the parties, where sadly the English (adversarial) Legal System cannot.’ "In 1996 she was trained and accredited as a mediator by ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Net and became a trained Advocate, completing the Accelerated Advocacy Course with NITA (UK), via Nottingham Law School in 2000. Madeleine was committed to offering her clients an alternative to the courtroom, wherever possible facilitating settlement using mediation principles. She often worked with people in distress and in desperate circumstances and commonly mediated amongst competing family members and businesses. In addition, Madeleine successfully acted for many private individuals, small and large local and national businesses, property developers and a national charity and was proactive in settling many claims. She began her training in Nonviolent Communication in 2004 when she decided to formally move away from legal approaches to conflict resolution. She has taken NVC foundation and deeper level training in both Anger and Conflict via accredited trainers with the Centre for Non Violent Communication (CNVC). She also took the Diploma in Focusing Therapy with the British Focusing Teachers Association in 2005. In 2011 she trained as a family mediator with ADRg.Since then Madeleine has worked with the education of young people using NVC and mediation whilst raising her young family. She now combines mediation with continued educational work within the state and voluntary sector.Selene Aitken MA, Certified NVC TrainerSelene is passionate about creating more understanding, peace and compassion in every moment. She uses her skills and experience as a teacher and mediator to share the tools and philosophy of Nonviolent Communication with youth in the context of Restorative Justice, with families suffering from conflict as well as with NGOs and professional organisations. She graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in Languages and Linguistics, received a Masters degree from Stanford University and continued her graduate level studies in education at the University of California in San Francisco in the US. She became a Certified Mediator in Oregon, USA in 1993 and received certification as a trainer from the Center for Nonviolent Communication in 2006.Her NVC work in Kabul, El Salvador and Buenos Aires as well as in the US has confirmed for her the universal application of NVC principles and practices..Gina Lawrie, Certified NVC TrainerGina has been working as an organisation development consultant for over 20 years in private, public and not-for-profit sectors supporting individuals, managers and organisations to work through conflict and bring about cultural and behavioural change. In her consulting she draws on many approaches, including Gestalt and complexity theory and since 1997 has integrated NVC into her work. In the 1970s Gina taught meditation, and she greatly values the way NVC supports the integration of spiritual values with practical skills.Based in Surrey, UK, Gina works with NVC worldwide and has introduced it to Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. She has been a certified trainer since 1997, has been a trainer at several International Intensive Trainings with Marshall Rosenberg, and is one of the assessors for trainer certification with CNVC. She may be best known in the NVC community for jointly creating the NVC Dance Floors with Bridget Belgrave. This method for teaching and practicing NVC is now translated into seven languages. To learn all about the NVC Dance Floors, see http://nvcdancefloors.com.Gina's website is http://www.ginalawrie.co.uk

Andy Mason
Ruud Baanders
Sarri Bater
Madeleine Turner
Selene Aitken
Gina Lawrie
Jo Mchale

For a confidential discussion call

Andy Mason on +44(0)1273 551850

or email andy[at]masonlaporte.org

Experience you can trust

We have many years experience transforming conflict in companies and communities around the world. We offer a rare, high level of competence in conflict transformation: we know what it looks like and how to achieve it.

Thinking
ThinkingOur approach is based on some underpinning ideas. Once grasped and integrated these ideas give people the thinking and skills to:• Identify and deal with conflict in themselves and others in ways that transform relationships• Work in ways that reduce conflict and so aid performance and welfareThe ideas• All people have needs and are motivated to meet their needs through the use of strategies.• People'’s needs, such as safety, contribution, connection and meaning don’'t cause conflict. However, what can cause conflict is the strategies people use to meet their needs.• At MLCT we identify what we call the ‘violence cycle’ which is driven by our emotions triggering judgement and prejudice – of ourselves as much as of others. We explore the cycle and the ways it shows up in our everyday lives.• Our approach finds ways to break the violence cycle. In short, this involves much greater awareness of the needs of all those involved and the development of strategies to meet those needs.• Possibly more important than this is the process by which we develop strategies, indeed thecore of conflict transformation is the development of ‘good process’. The reality is that our needs are in a continuously changing state of being met or not met. Gaining insights on how to work with this reality, with the ‘messiness’ of life, is a main objective of our programmes.• Our approach falls into the broader arena of conflict transformation – in other words it’s more than compromise or negotiation, which is where people with differences ‘trade off’ their demands. • We focus on the development of trust through creating greater understanding. Our approach builds greater personal and interpersonal awareness. It employs honest sharing in a way that transforms rather than creates conflict.• Key ingredients are self empathy and empathy, the capacity to be aware of and accept what is truly going on in ourselves and others.ReadingHere's a list of some of the reading that has shaped our work.Rosenberg, M. (2003) Nonviolent Communication: a Language of LifeKohn, A (1993) Punished By Rewards.Lederach, J. P. (1997) “Reconciliation: The Building of Relationship” in Building Peace: Sustainable reconciliation in Divided Societies, pp.23-35Burton, J. (1990) “Human Needs Theory” in Conflict: Resolution and Prevention. pp. 36-48.Silvester, T. (2003) Wordweaving, the Science of Suggestion.Francis, D. (2002) People, Peace and Power, Conflict Transformation in Action.Mitchell, C. & Banks, M. (1996) Handbook of Conflict Resolution, The Analytical Problem-Solving Approach.Fischer, L. (1962) ‘The Essential Gandhi’.Havel, V. (1991) Vaclav Havel: Open Letters.Tolle, E. (2006) A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's PurposeTolle, E. (1999 ) The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual EnlightenmentIgnatieff, M. (1993) Blood and Belonging, Journeys Into the New Nationalism.Bakan, J. (2004) The Corporation, the Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power.Foucault, M. (1979) Discipline and Punish, the Birth of the Prison.Freire, P. (1996) Pedagogy of the Oppressed.Prescott, J. W. (1996) ‘The Origins of Human Love and Violence’ in Pre- and Perinatal Psychology Journal, Volume 10, Number 3: Spring 1996, pp 143-188Avruch, K. (2003) ‘Culture’ in Cheldelin et al (eds) Conflict: From Analysis to Intervention. pp 140-153Watts, A (1958) The Way of Zen.Harris, T. A. (1973) I'm OK - You're OK.Stiglitz, J. (2006) Making Globalisation Work.Lerner, M. (1997) The Politics of Meaning.Chomsky, N. (2007) What We Say Goes. LinksThe Centre For Nonviolent Communication www.cnvc.orgEckhart Tolle www.eckharttolle.comAlfie Kohn www.alfiekohn.orgTikkun magazine, edited by Michael Lerner www.tikkun.org

Liberating thinking

In our experience much of the conflict we have worked with is grounded in judgemental, polarised thinking. The inherent first step of trying to decide 'who's the good guy' or 'who's right in this situation' creates problems because often both sides will see themselves in this role.

Our approach is based on the idea that our universal needs are equal. Once we see conflict as being caused by 'wonky strategies to meet needs' rather than 'bad people' then situations truly transform.

This is not a play on words or wishful thinking, if it were we wouldn't have seen the impact we have in some of the most difficult parts of the world.

Companies and Customers
Commercial and Customer MediationDo you need to get your business back on track or resolve a dispute with a company?• Has a company or service let you down? • Are you worried about a product or service you have bought? • Do you need to get a project moving and overcome a disagreement or misunderstanding? • Would you like to build lasting profitable business relationships with your customers and suppliers? Our mediation process can help. We work with businesses, and their customers and suppliers, to get disputes resolved and projects completed. We help customers work out their differences with goods and service providers. Our approach is to help build cooperation, trust and understanding between people, to generate goodwill, reputation and future business. We can support you in retaining the business supplying goods or services to you (to get the job done or the product you need) to everyone’s mutual satisfaction. Our mediation process can be used whatever dispute you have:-• payment issues• debt recovery • around finishing a contractand is likely to be much more relaxed, cheaper and quicker than court proceedings, arbitration or other complaints procedures. Mediated outcomes can be healthier for you, your pocket and your future.

Were

For a sensitive, personal approach to your mediation requirements please call

Andy Mason for a confidential discussion on:

01273 551850

or email andy[at]masonlaporte.org

Client feedback

"I appreciate what you've done for me, thank you very much for your efforts and success in this matter"

"You guided matters most expertly through the various stages"

"You've excelled in your chosen vocation"

"Mediation is often quicker, more relaxed and healthier than going to court"

Mediation doesn't suffer the time delays of the court system and it gives people the chance to fully discuss their issues, including the wider impact of problems or conflict. This isn't always the case in court, where time pressure plus limitations on what people say can leave parties adrift. By contrast, mediation gives parties the power to sort out their own issues. The situation and the decision is in your hands. Mediators use their skilll and experience to help people jointly find solutions, often by first endeavouring to get each party to step into the other's shoes.

Family Home Personal
Family, Home and Personal Mediation1) Intergenerational2) Separation and Divorce3) Couples4) Contentious Probate and Trusts5) Neighbour Disputes1) IntergenerationalMisunderstandings and miscommunication within families can be stressful and distressing. The way we mediate helps connect people and re open communication between you and your immediate and extended family. We aim to help you build trust, understanding and empathy for each other. This provides a strong base for future harmony within your family.2) Separation and DivorceFeelings of mistrust, fear, anxiety and pain around separating from your partner can block effective communication. We create a safe and neutral space, by offering impartial mediation and address power imbalances by our male and female mediators working together as co-mediators on each matter. Our way of mediating supports people in reaching a place of trust and openness, heals rifts and brings ease to your future relations. We offer you a model of communicating to help you resolve current and future issues around property, finance and children.3) Couples When talking becomes a battle, misunderstandings fester and you can see no way through, we can help. As mediators we work with you so the hurt, frustration and other feelings can really be heard by you both; whilst supporting you in any difficulties you have with this. By connecting with your partner in this way you can open up an honest and loving relationship and we work with you to develop your skills to maintain this. Equally we can assist you with communicating about and in the future be that together or apart. 4) Contentious Probate and TrustsLoss, guilt and blame can divide families when someone dies. Misunderstandings around the motivation behind and management of family trusts can lead to resentment and families disconnecting. We mediate with you and any family members, executors or trustees who need and agree to be involved to develop clear, open and honest communication. Our experience is that this generates goodwill and integrity. People then feel comfortable to work together cooperatively with family members and legal advisers as necessary.5) Neighbour DisputesYour home may be your castle, but what happens when you feel your defences are being breached? You may be feeling trapped and angry about a dispute with your neighbour. You may literally be stuck and unable to move. We can help by bringing you both together in a neutral space to clarify the issues and express how this has affected you. We will then work together on a resolution which really works for you and your neighbour. Once you have experienced our mediation process you will have the building blocks for a peaceful and manageable way forward with your neighbours.Mediation is likely to be much more relaxed, cheaper and quicker than court proceedings, arbitration or other complaints procedures. Mediated outcomes can be healthier for you, your pocket and your future.

Emotional Specialists

We're specialists at working with the emotional side of relationships. Our training and experience gives us a clear framework to work powerfully with the most difficult of cases. Our approach is based on creating empathy and understanding in the room. People may sometimes think this isn't possible, our experience in the UK and war zones tells us it is. Imagine sorting out your personal dispute, your divorce or separation from a place of connection and understanding? With our mediation process that's a real possibility.

For a sensitive, personal approach to your mediation requirements please call

Andy Mason for a confidential discussion on:

01273 551850

or email andy[at]masonlaporte.org

Skilled at working with relationships

"Thank you so much, I now have my daughter back"

"Your process has resulted in all relations still being on friendly terms, which under the circumstances has been quite something!"

"I really appreciate how helpful you have been"

"Many thanks for how you have handled this most distressing case"

Contact

Mediation

Workplace Conflict Training

International Conflict

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couples in conflict

Workplace Mediation

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Tel: +44 (0)1273 551850 (office)

+44 (0)7792 809023 (mobile)

Email: andy[at]masonlaporte.org

update page
Our mediation processes: what we do to ensure your needs are met1) The half-day mediationfocus rebuilding relationshipsThe half-day mediation is a shorter process to get relationships between employees back on track so they're confident moving forward with work issues.Before the half-day mediation We prepare and brief all involved thoroughly. This includes 1) ensuring the process sits outside any other company procedure 2) calling the parties to confirm their participation.On the day9am. Begin by meeting each party separately to listen to what's happening for them. 1030 am. Joint meeting between the parties. Here we focus on the relationship between the parties. We find that issues like power, respect and being valued are often important. 12noon. Finish - parties are left with an agreement on future steps to maintain their relationship.The follow upWe contact the parties after three weeks, three months and six months to revisit the mediation agreement.2) The one day mediationfocus - transforming conflict in the workplaceThe one day mediation is a thorough process of initial meetings, preparation, practise and joint meeting to agreement. Through the process, parties find they are heard and start to see the conflict differently. Often with this different view, new sustainable solutions for work problems emerge that are based on trust.Before the mediation dayPepare and brief all involved thoroughly. This includes 1) ensuring the process sits outside any other company procedure 2) calling the parties to confirm their participation.On the mediation day9am. Begin by meeting each party separately to listen to what's happening for them. The early meetings lay the foundation for the joint meeting that follows.1pm. Bring the parties together for the joint meeting. This is where the really hard conversations begin and we bring our years of experience of sitting with people in conflict to bear. Support the parties to find and plan their own next steps, the specific actions, behaviours and thinking they agree to implement from here on. The agreement is usually drawn up and signed by all parties by the end of the day.The follow upSee the parties after three weeks, three months and six months to revisit the mediation agreement.What's the cost? (get 60% off before the end of May 2011!)Our standard one-off fee before the end of May 2011 is £600 plus agreed expenses. This covers preparation, mediation to agreement and three follow up meetings. Expenses usually include travel and sometimes accommodation. We strongly recommend the use of a non-work venue for mediation meetings. Did we mention?If you're not satisfied there's no fee.

Andy Mason
Ruud Baanders
Sarri Bater
Selene Aitken
Gina Lawrie
Jo Mchale

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