Times change, the world changes and so do we. Sometimes, basic assumptions need to be tweaked, rephrased and aligned.
In the framework of preparing an application, I returned to my Touchstone from earlier this year to get a better handle on my driving vision and values. While doing so, I realised that even in the short time since drafting that declaration, my own situation and the world around had changed in such a way that an update of my Touchstone was justified and, in fact, needed. I am proud to bring the "tweaked" version - updated to New Year 5782 (Hebrew lunar calendar), for your kind contemplation:
What follows is a statement of my vision, mission and values as relates to my mediation and integrative legal work. I commit to adhering to these principles in my work with my clients, and invite them to create their own touchstones as well.
Vision: I envision a world where conflicts - from the individual to the international level - are resolved through direct communication without resort to violence or coercion; where power imbalances are intrinsically corrected out of a sense of fairness and justice by those holding power towards those who hold less; where humans are instilled with the courage to prefer their natural tendency towards collaboration; and where science and truth are respected fully and equanimously. I believe that the world’s economies must change to embrace and enable the pursuit of purpose by individuals, organisations and society at large.
Mission: I strive to provide the best possible tools, assistance and guidance in my ability for prevention, management and resolution of commercial conflicts. I strive to shift paradigms from a conflict- to a change-centric orientation, stressing individual responsibility, autonomy and accountability for processes alongside willingness to seek outside assistance when needed. I resonate with clients who are aligned with the values stated in this Touchstone.
Values: In my mission, I treasure the following values both in myself and my clients. These are presented in order of essentiality; in case of conflict between values, those mentioned first will prevail over those listed below them.
Omnipartialism (h/t Ken Cloke) - I strive for outcomes that benefit all parties as well as myself, the greater society and the planet.
Integrity - I strive for harmony between my desires, actions and words. Taking account of their backgrounds, needs and interests, I expect my clients to do the same.
Purpose over profit - I wholly subscribe to the quadruple bottom line - people, profit, planet and purpose, and strive to inculcate these in my work with my clients, especially by use of ESG, relational contracts, transformative mediation and other related tools.
Service - I have spent my working life in service of others and of higher ideals. I would like my clients to view their work as service of their interests and principles as well.
Humor - let’s have fun with this, but never losing sight of our own ridiculousness
Curiosity - I value curiosity and continual learning in myself and others.
Perseverance - I try to make every effort to achieve my desired outcome, even at the expense of other resources.
Compensation - The concept of value offered for value received is at the basis of my remuneration, and I am aware that both of these concepts are subjective and cannot be addressed without reference to the situation at hand. I commit to agreement on a remuneration mechanism in a collaborative process and ask that my clients commit to such a dialogue as well.
Fair trade - the environment is important to me, but not nearly as much as the well-being of those involved in the supply chain from start to finish.
Value creation - Zero sum is negative sum. The pie can usually be made larger.
Comments