by James Dykeman | Jan 9, 2026 | Blog, Top
As we step into 2026, many of us in the conflict resolution field find ourselves pausing to reflect. It’s a natural moment to assess how we want to grow, how we want to work, and what kind of support we need to continue doing this work in a sustainable and fulfilling...
by James Dykeman | Oct 9, 2025 | Blog, Impact 1, Top
Every attorney has a story of why they chose law. For many, it began with a desire to help people, to be a steady hand in moments of uncertainty, to navigate complexity, and to stand with others when the stakes were high. But over time, the daily demands of practice,...
by James Dykeman | Sep 18, 2025 | Blog, Top
In mediation, especially within the understanding-based approach, practice and feedback are not optional enhancements – they are essential elements of developing real skill. The mediator’s work requires more than theoretical knowledge or professional intention....
by James Dykeman | Sep 11, 2025 | Blog, Book Review, Top
Ian Renaud’s Resolving from Within is a thoughtful and accessible contribution to the growing body of work on internal transformation as a foundation for resolving external disputes. For those familiar with the understanding-based approach to conflict resolution and...
by James Dykeman | Aug 14, 2025 | Blog, Top, workplace
There’s a moment in many work relationships when tension begins to surface. A project slows down because team members are no longer aligned. A conversation lingers long after it ends, filled with the weight of something unsaid. A once-strong collaboration begins to...
by James Dykeman | Aug 7, 2025 | Book Review, Top
Melinda Blau’s Families Apart is an invitation to transform what can feel like the end of a relationship into the beginning of a new kind of partnership. Written with warmth, clarity, and realism, this book speaks directly to parents who are navigating the complex...
by James Dykeman | Jul 17, 2025 | Book Review, Top
“Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz is a gripping and engaging book that brings the reader into the high-stakes world of hostage negotiation – and then challenges us to apply those same principles in our everyday professional and personal...
by James Dykeman | Jul 10, 2025 | Blog, Top
For many people called to mediation and conflict resolution, the journey begins with a question: How can I support people in pain, confusion, or disagreement in finding a way forward that honors their humanity? It’s not about fixing others or offering quick...
by James Dykeman | Jun 17, 2025 | Blog, Uncategorized
Not long ago, conflict resolution lived mostly in courtrooms. When problems flared – in business deals, families, or neighborhood disputes – the default response was often legal action. Mediation emerged as a quieter alternative, inviting people to sit down, talk, and...
by James Dykeman | Jun 5, 2025 | Blog, Book Review, Top
Jay Rothman’s Resolving Identity-Based Conflict in Nations, Organizations, and Communities offers a deeply thoughtful and human-centered exploration of conflict rooted in identity. For practitioners of the understanding-based approach, this book is both familiar and...
