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Shiv Martin's Blog
Reflections and practical insights on conflict, communication, and leadership.
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Why Mediation Matters in Healthcare, Aged Care & Disability Care
Frontline healthcare and disability support staff pour their hearts into patient care, often working long shifts, juggling unpredictable rosters and carrying enormous emotional weight.
May 14, 20254 min read
How Conflict Escalates - Insights from Chris Wheeler and Lessons for Complaint Handlers
Explore conflict escalation through Friedrich Glasl’s model and learn how complaint handlers can manage unreasonable conduct with early intervention, emotional intelligence, and self-care.
May 7, 20254 min read
Management’s Role in Mediation
Mediation is more than a process, it’s a critical leadership skill and resource. Effective use of mediation restores trust, improves communication, and enhances team cohesion.
Apr 30, 20256 min read
Mastering Conflict in Strata Management
If you're a strata manager, you already know that conflict is part of the job. Whether it's a dispute over levies, building repairs, or long-standing tensions between owners, conflict can derail progress, strain relationships, and increase stress levels—for everyone involved.
But it doesn’t have to.
Apr 30, 20254 min read
Resolving Right: Regulatory Disputes Management
In an era marked by heightened public scrutiny, rapid technological disruption, and evolving stakeholder expectations, Ombudsman and Commission-based regulators face increasing pressure to remain responsive, credible, and effective.
Apr 23, 20256 min read
Employee Mediation Techniques - Behind the Scenes!
Explore the structured techniques behind Shiv Martin Consulting’s workplace mediation services. Discover how mediation can resolve disputes, improve team dynamics, and strengthen workplace culture.
Apr 15, 20258 min read
Why Acquired Brain Injury Matters in Dispute Resolution
As frontline professionals dealing with conflict, fairness, and procedural integrity, we must be attuned to the hidden disabilities that can shape behaviour, comprehension, and decision-making. ABI is one such condition—often misunderstood and rarely accommodated.
Apr 10, 20255 min read
Essential Conflict Management Skills for Advocates: Communication, Strategy, and Self-Care
Advocates play a critical role in mediation and conciliation, but navigating conflict isn’t easy. This article explores essential conflict management skills for advocates, including active listening, negotiation strategies, managing difficult clients, and applying the CURE framework. Build confidence, improve client outcomes, and protect your wellbeing.
Mar 31, 20254 min read
Why This Symposium Matters: Learn from the Best in Early Dispute Resolution
Over the past several years, my work as a dispute resolution trainer and consultant has taken me behind the scenes of some of the most thoughtful, creative, and resilient conflict management teams across Australia and New Zealand. I’ve had the privilege of working with tribunals, commissions, ombudsman offices, and complaints handling bodies, each with its own unique challenges and solutions. Hear about recent developments in early resolution and conciliation while reflectin
Mar 31, 20254 min read
Leading Through Conflict? When to Call in a Mediator
If you're in HR, team leadership, or any kind of people management role, you've likely already had to handle your fair share of workplace conflict. It might start quietly - a misunderstanding, a misstep, a breakdown in trust. But left unaddressed, it can escalate and create real harm: to individuals, to team culture, to service users and to the organisation as a whole. So, when is it something you can support internally and when is it time to call in a mediator? As a national
Mar 31, 20255 min read
“There Is No Trust”
In most conflicts, trust is difficult to build but it can be the key to a lasting resolution. So how do I address important conversations around trust in mediation? “There is no trust.” This was the statement I heard from one party several times during a mediation. The first time, I paused to see if they would elaborate but they continued with another topic of discussion. But then I heard the same words came up again: “Well, there’s just no trust.” This time, I stopped and sa
Mar 19, 20254 min read
Balancing Flow and Focus in Mediation
Finding Flow and Focus in Mediation: The Art of Balancing Time and Connection As a mediator, one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the work is finding the balance between letting conversations flow naturally and knowing when to step in to create structure. My natural inclination is to allow discussions to unfold organically, giving space for deeper insights and understanding. However, this approach can sometimes lead to time overruns or wandering off track, esp
Mar 12, 20254 min read
If you've got conflict - we can help!
Whether you're navigating a tricky workplace issue, looking for tailored training for your team, or simply curious about how mediation or conciliation could help, I’d love to hear from you.
Call or Text: 0433904303
Or book a free confidential call to chat about your needs and explore how I can help.
Let’s work together to resolve conflict early, build trust, and move forward with confidence.
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