Sexual orientation and gender identity are important topics to be addressed within work environments, but most employers, coworkers, and clients are unaware of how to approach these topics. What can be asked? What are the best practices? How can employers talk about sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace without infringing on people’s privacy or … Read more

The belief that sexuality and gender identity are not part of work experiences is a pervasive response from many heterosexual (and a few LGBTQIA2S+) employees. Many people believe that sexuality and gender identity are private matters, and that is where discussion of that topic should end. The reality is that many people do not take … Read more

Menopause is rarely a topic of open discussion in the workplace — despite the fact that nearly half of the world’s population experiences or will experience this biological transition, which marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility. According to a study from the Society for Endocrinology, a startling one in four women will … Read more

Work relationships are never conflict free. Indeed, I would say that HEALTHY relationships are never conflict free BUT they are conflict resolving. Here are some practical insights for your workplace conflicts that ensure your relationship wins. The problem is, we fight for victories instead of fighting for solutions. The result is one wins, one loses, … Read more

The world may be reopening in some places, with people looking forward to pubs, restaurants and haircuts. Many of us will no doubt also be looking forward to some time away from home – alone – once more. Spending such prolonged time in close quarters with others puts strain on relationships and increases social tension. Tempers … Read more

It started as just a little crack in the windshield. A tiny rock had caused it. You had lots of time to do something about it, and maybe you would not have to get it fixed. It was not impairing your ability to see and likely it was not going to get any bigger. Then … Read more

As an administrative member of the TPR team, I asked our Lead Mediator, Raj Dhasi if she would engage in mediation personally or professionally? Here is what she said: Answer: It depends. I am hard pressed to think of a professional situation where I would not engage in mediation as a participant, but my criteria … Read more

I am often asked by clients what I would do if I were in their shoes, in the midst of a painful situation, where mediation was an option. Would I go through mediation? I tend to talk to clients by circling back to their unique situation and doing a cost/benefit analysis, because it’s not about … Read more

As I have been thinking about my relationship with my significant other, I’ve had to reflect on my past to help me understand why I do what I do in the present. Truthfully, I learned my style of arguing from my dad. He had a way of being overly protective to the point of paranoia, … Read more

Accept conflict. Remember that conflict is natural and happens in every ongoing relationship. Since conflict is unavoidable we must learn to manage it. Conflict is a sign of a need for change and an opportunity for growth, new understanding, and improved communication. Conflict can not be resolved unless it is addressed with the appropriate individual(s).