Relationship rifts: Mediation for the voluntary sector – by Laura Gilchrist
Posted: 11 February, 20:06 by Jon Dorsett
Helen had recently started work as a manager for the Broad Lane Community Centre, a community and youth centre offering a range of community activities. She soon realised that morale in the centre was very low, there was poisonous atmosphere and she began to regret leaving her old job. Much of the conflict centred around one individual, Cathy, who everyone seemed to blame for things that had gone wrong. Behind her back, people complained that Cathy was obstructive and lazy and there was a stony silence when she was in the centre.
When Helen asked Cathy to do certain tasks, Cathy often failed to do them and made excuses when confronted. In Helen’s words, “I couldn’t communicate and began to avoid asking her to do things. When I did have to, I was accused of being intimidating. This made me want to avoid her more. I started looking for other jobs and felt sick and vaguely depressed whenever I started thinking about work.” Helen almost left the organisation, but decided to try mediation, even though deep down she didn’t think it would make any difference.
Helen and Cathy met twice individually with the mediators and twice together. The results were transformative, as Helen explains, “In that short space of time our relationship changed completely. I no longer have to make a conscious effort to engage with her. It is genuine and happens naturally…..We enjoy a joke and share confidences. Other people see us talking and laughing and their attitude to her is changing.”
Mediation gave Helen and Cathy an opportunity to have some difficult conversations in a safe environment and to hear each others’ perspectives. The end result was that both of them stayed at the centre, their relationship improved and the atmosphere started to change.
Peacebuilders Mediation is a mediation service offering mediation for employees and volunteers specifically in the voluntary and community sector. It is part of Peacebuilders, a new organisation dedicated to helping people deal with conflict more effectively. Peacebuilders is rooted in the voluntary sector and offers both mediation and training in conflict resolution. Contact Laura Gilchrist on 0161 872 7732 or visit the website at:
www.peacebuilders.org.uk.
New Beginnings: Peace School 2009/10 Speak Soundcheck – 27th February to 1st March 2009 - Response:Ability