The process we use for handling difficult conversations is based on a tried and tested approach used in the area of restorative justice and restorative practices. In these situations, the initial trigger point has happened at some other time and the focus is to restore relationships or decide what the sentencing of an offender should be. We have added a stage to our process to reflect the initial trigger situation; if we are aware that this might happen, we can be prepared for it.

These approaches are not new. Many native peoples around the world have used the same approach to resolve conflict and maintain their communities. In times when people were grouped into tribes, the success of your tribe relied on staying together. People relied on others for the survival of the tribe. These approaches are given different names and follow what today we might call 'peace circles'.

The process consists of the initial 'Handling the trigger' stage, plus four main stages: Preparation, Dialogue, Finding solutions, and Follow up.

Handling the trigger

1. Preparation

2. Dialogue

3. Finding solutions

4. Follow up


Introduction | Handling the trigger | 1. Preparation | 2. Dialogue | 3. Finding solutions | 4. Follow up


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