Hello and welcome to another episode of the Perception Podcast with me your host Caroline Partridge. In today's episode I once again have the pleasure of welcoming back expert mediator Jane Gunn, to discuss her new book, 'The Mole and the Mountain'. In this book Jane provides a map to understanding the conflict journeys that can arise anywhere and at any time in our lives. Jane also talks about what prompted her to write this book and why more than ever we need to understand how to navigate conflict. We also discuss the narratives and challenges that hold us back from self determination and authenticity. Please join me as we look at life through a different lens. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Jane's book visually maps the process of resolving conflict through four symbolic stages represented on a compass: the storm, the murky swamp of reality, the bridge of courage and crossroads, and the mountaintop of experience.
• People often resist the 'murky swamp of reality' phase of seeking clarity because it requires exploring difficult emotions like underlying fears.
• We increasingly want others to solve problems for us and have lost the ability to think critically, gather alternate viewpoints, and navigate challenges independently.
• Normalised societal rules often promote safety over opportunities for creativity, play, risk-taking, and authentic self-growth.
• Families and social groups frequently challenge our independence and growth out of care but end up holding us back from our journeys.
• Polarized viewpoints and cancel culture shut down opportunities for nuanced perspectives; we need "big conversations" to understand each other.
• Staying grounded in our own thinking and being our authentic selves is the unshakeable gift no one can take from us.

BEST MOMENTS

"When you end up in a murky swamp, your temptation is to sort of keep thrashing around to try and get out of it. And it just makes the water muddier and less clear."

"How we express what we want is very different. And of course, all the conditioning we've received along the way plays into the mix."

"Have we lost some elements of childhood and adulthood and growing up about playing and being creative and exploring?"

"Nobody controls us, we are the creators of our own destiny."

"If you can stay grounded in your thinking and behaviour towards others, that's the key."

ABOUT THE GUEST

Jane Gunn is an expert in the field of conflict resolution, a trained mediator and facilitator, known to her clients as 'The Barefoot Mediator'. Listed as a Global Leader in the Who's Who Mediation and featured in 500 Hall of Fame. She is President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and a former director and board member of the Civil Mediation Council of England and Wales.

Author of 2 popular books “How To Beat Bedlam In The Boardroom And Boredom In The Bedroom” and “The Authority Guide To Conflict Resolution”, she has spoken at the United Nations, The White House and the European Commission.

Jane helps people in all walks of life to become ReSolutionaries. Teaching them the basic skills of mediation, she enables people to deal with difference and diversity in ways that are non-adversarial and solution focused.

Her mission is to create a community of ReSolutionaries equipped to lead and inspire others in times of change, challenge and crisis. She has a powerful message supported by practical tools and techniques that applies to organizations of all sizes across all sectors.)

New Book 

https://janegunn.co.uk/mole/

Socials & Contact:

Email - [email protected]

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/collaborativeculturespeaker/ 

Website

Home - Jane Gunn

ABOUT THE HOST

Bio

Caroline Partridge is a unique and creative individual. She is an actress, puppeteer, educator, and artist with funny bones. She loves a story and is an expert at conveying wit and wisdom with warmth, understanding, and empathy.

CONTACT METHOD

FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/caropartridge

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-partridge-03131520

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/partridge_caroline