In the institutional abuse space, I think we ought to adopt and change our process to become much more trauma-informed.
In this respect, I draw your attention to my recent conversation with Julie Somerville, a leading New South Wales mediator, on The Resolution Room. What better intention for Julie at the start of her mediation practise than trying to reshape and redesign the process, ensuring that an important legal process is nonetheless trauma informed?
Although I am much newer to the institutional abuse work as a mediator, I think in many ways that we are still 'going through the motions' of a typical personal injury mediation with these types of matters. I say this accepting that these claims are often very much contested, and proceed through a legal framework. That said, I think that as a profession we need to approach the process with greater compassion and trauma awareness, and craft processes accordingly. Check out my conversation with Julie in this respect.
This is not a criticism for its own sake.
I acknowledge that, in the main, mediation has worked very well in the Queensland context, in fact, you could say that as a profession we have been victims of our own success! But it remains a genuine question for feedback- should we embrace change, and what change do you think is needed?
I regularly share short insights on mediation, negotiation and all things leadership. From how to optimise success in negotiations, to the skillset required to sustain high team performance and promote resilience. I share these video reflections, drawing from my experience both as a former leader in professional services and now as a mediator and leadership coach.
"Damien is an incredible Mediator. He is experienced, is always across the brief and has a depth of legal knowledge that can assist the parties to navigate even the most complex issues to reach a resolution. Damien is my first choice for any Mediation, especially for vulnerable plaintiff’s feeling overwhelmed by the process as they are immediately comforted by his affable and empathetic nature.”
Damien was engaged as an Executive Coach in our business to navigate a half-decade of poor habits, realign our leadership team and position us for a strategic exit.Facilitating an executive workshop was instrumental in resolving internal conflicts and realigning us to a collective focus on future opportunities.
I have especially appreciated your logical and calm approach to problem solving, and I have valued your methodical and composed demeanour in tackling complex issues. You have not only equipped me with effective strategies but also instilled a sense of confidence and clarity in my own decision making processes.
