MEDIATION #179
THE MEDIATOR ACTS
A Mediator is always listening + always thinking. There is no downtime. She is formulating ideas + outcomes but you are in the grip of people and you can only persuade, suggest and recommend. You can never impose. So be clever. Be smart and find the right way to get your point accepted.
You have some momentum but is it enough? There is right-wing political opposition to the refugees and there are others – non-political and non-racist – who are worried that the refugees might, intentionally or otherwise, jump the queue. The Refugees are aware that a City Centre presence is more likely to ratchet up opposition to their presence. The Hospital is not crucial but is very short-staffed and is willing to put applicants from the refugees through an accelerated training programme to enable them to become wage-earning= medical staff.
The City Centre Hotel Owner is unhappy as the focus switches from the inner city to outer city accommodation. At the same time Rotary and Round Table are keen to extend a sympathetic welcome to the refugees and to stand up to a “Not Here” approach from the Far Right No Refugees Party.
But can the Mediator persuade the TLB (The Local Businessman) to convert his two large properties to short term accommodation? He has the funds but will he get the planning permission. Our Mediator, Mrs Harmison has a moment of inspiration. It was the Town Clerk who approached her to become the Mediator. He was sufficiently concerned about an outbreak of racist unpleasantness to recommend Mrs Harmison. Now she wants something from the Town Clerk. Can he accelerate the planning application to convert the two large houses into a hostel? A firm reply –“ No! Corners cannot be cut. Queues cannot be jumped”.
EPISODE 6. 16 SEPTEMBER 2021
THE MEDIATOR BREAKS THE IMPASSE
0 Comments