In a message dated 4/28/2000 4:37:00 PM Central Daylight Time, rnor...@digital.net writes:
<< I too am Certified Federal Workforce Mediator (trained by the Atlanta Justice Center). Have you ever thought about Open Space being a form of mediation. I believe a good mediator in essence Opens Space and then holds it for the party's to reach their own mutual agreements. Possibilities? >> Rich, Absolutely. In fact, we use OST along with the "7 Elements" conflict resolution process (Roger Fisher, "Getting To Yes"). OST is an ideal process to use in mediation. The reason we also use Roger Fisher training is that it is important that labor-management participants understand interests as opposed to positions, and how to empathetically listen. We spend more time on the first two elements of Communications and Relationships, which is were we find about 80% of the problems. Thank you for your comment. Dave Koehler