Shiv Martin's Blog

Motivational interviewing is a powerful skill in mediation, complaints handling, and regulatory dispute resolution. Learn how it supports clarity, agency, and ethical outcomes in workplace conflict, Ombudsman processes, and high-emotion disputes.

Rigid, black-and-white thinking is one of the biggest barriers to resolving business, workplace and partnership disputes. Drawing on mediation practice, neuroscience and decision-making research, this article explains how flexible thinking reduces escalation, improves negotiation outcomes and supports sustainable conflict resolution in professional settings.

A small number of complaints often consume disproportionate time and emotional labour in dispute resolution systems. Drawing on research and practitioner insight, this article explores how misdirected and high-demand matters reveal gaps in system design, procedural clarity and practitioner support, and what conciliation frameworks need to remain fair, humane and sustainable.

Conciliation is a cornerstone of regulatory and Ombudsman dispute resolution, yet it is often misunderstood in practice. Drawing on training experience across statutory bodies, this article explores where conciliation is heading in 2026, including role clarity, ethical confidence, system pressures and the skills practitioners need to remain effective, fair and sustainable.

Conflict is a normal part of high-performing workplaces. This article explains why leaders should not fear conflict, how business and corporate mediation helps teams move forward, and why 2026 is the perfect time to reset communication and strengthen relationships.

Deciding whether to quit a job is rarely straightforward. Drawing on workplace mediation and conflict resolution, this guide explains when it’s time to leave and how to quit well, with clarity, dignity, and respect for future relationships.

Complaints handling isn’t just about compliance, it’s about psychology. Small language choices can transform frustration into trust. Explore how the CURE framework, neuroscience, and practical strategies help complaints teams manage difficult conversations with clarity, empathy, and confidence.

Hybrid workplaces bring flexibility but also unique conflict challenges. From misinterpreted emails to Zoom fatigue, leaders need new approaches to old problems. Mediation skills; adapted for online and blended teams, help prevent disputes, strengthen trust, and create a healthier workplace culture.

Mediation is not a quick fix - it’s a reset. What happens after mediation determines whether agreements hold or old patterns return. This article explores why mediation aftercare, clear follow-up conversations, accountability, and emotional awareness are essential for sustainable workplace conflict resolution.

Across Ombudsman, tribunal, and regulatory bodies, mediation is frequently mislabelled as a regulatory tool, creating confusion, role drift, and unrealistic expectations. This article explains why mediation does not sit comfortably within regulatory systems, why conciliation does, and how accurate process definition strengthens fairness, trust, and compliance in dispute resolution practice.

Entrenched views are one of the toughest challenges in mediation and conciliation, but they’re rarely about stubbornness alone. In this article, mediator and conciliation trainer Shiv Martin explores the psychology behind impasses and shares practical strategies for shifting stuck positions through safety, trust, and process clarity.

Discover why conflict resolution skills are essential for grassroots and community organisations. Learn how early intervention, communication and free workshops can strengthen teams and culture.