Enhancing Mediator Artistry: Multiple Frames, Spirit, and Reflection in Action

Source: (2006) In, Harrman, Margaret S., editor, Handbook of Mediation: Bridging Theory, Research, and Practice. Blackwell Publishing pp.374-383

When I first accepted Margaret Herrman’s invitation to write a chapter for this book, I did so out of flattery in being asked and the personal admiration for what Margaret has accomplished and contributed in her professional life. It was only a few days later that I became anxious about honoring my agreement. My daunting task was to read other chapters from an impressive list of contributors and still add value to the volume by weaving an original and coherent theme that would comment on the opening chapter and somehow cover the landscape of the book. I wasn’t at all sure what I would do and how it would contribute. As fate would have it, once in a while I come across a body of knowledge that alters that way I look at the world, the meaning I assign to people and events and the thinking that forms my strategy for actions. Fortunately, this occurred recently when I participated in a workshop on “Leadership, Power, and Spirit,” let by Robert Marx of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The workshop was based primarily on two books – a brilliant work by Lee Bolman and Terrance Deal called ‘Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice and Leadership’ and ‘The Wisdom of Solomon at Work: Ancient Virtues for Living and Leading Today’ by Charles Manz, Robert Marx, and others. Each of these books is primarily situated in organization life and focused on organizational leadership. Yet I believe they have significant relevance to our work as mediation practitioners and scholars. Indeed, all of my recent conflict intervention work, including my mediation efforts, has been heavily influenced by my awareness and integration of this material. (excerpt)