Our efforts in trying to stop the spread of the COVID-19 will need to continue for a while before we come out of this battle. While we are mandated to work from home and practicing social distancing, stress and anxiety are building up in our community and coflicts will not stop.
Are you adapting to this new environment? How can you continue helping your clients while staying away from them physically?
In order to ensure that you are positioning yourself to thrive coming out of this battle, you may want to think about:
- How can you stay connected with your clients and potential clients?
Are you actively engaging with your clients digitally? What else do you need to consider for your business aspect of practice? You may want to gather tips from various business related organizations, for example, SBA, Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii have dedicated resource pages for the special business environment amid COVID-19 pandemic.
- How can you provide the safe space for the parties to creatively come together to resolve conflicts while physically separated?
Fortunately, we have technologies that are readily available that will help us stay connected while practicing social distancing. For example, The Mediation Center of The Pacific offers skype mediation and Online Mediation Program (OMP brochure) that enable their clients to use their services while staying safe at home. There are number of free video conferencing available, especially now.
- What logistical obstacles you may need to overcome to offer alternative venue to mediate?
If you offer virtual mediation (video conferencing), will all the parties have devices to access internet, will they all have good connectivity, and the sofware is compatible? Security and privacy of connection?
- If you are not able to offer your services while staying put at home, how will that impact your practice financially?
If you or your business client is needing financial assistance, SBA has a low interest Economic Injury Disaster Loan now available to small business owners in Hawaii.
- How can I help the community I live in this chaotic time?
We are collaborative thinkers. We can use this asset to help our community come out of this strong. PBN has an article about some examples of how we can help. Weather donating food and/or blood, shopping for kupunas, sharing essentials with your neighbor who is unable to go shopping, smile and be kind to grocery store clarks, etc., please be safe and stay healthy.
If you have any suggestions on how Conflict Resolution Alliance may be able to help you, or you have tips you can share to CRA community, please reach out to us at info@CRAHawaii.org.
