We meet the agile coach and Top100 trainer Arndt Schmidtmayer and the mediation expert Dagmar Ponschab in a synergistic interview. Speakers Excellence: Why this new construct 'Agile Mediation'?
Arndt Schmidtmayer: In my work as a transformation coach and mediator, together with Dagmar, I have discovered that there are many similarities between the principles, tools, approaches, and hacks of agility and mediation, but also some differences.
Dagmar Ponschab: Indeed, I find it very interesting how a traditional methodology like mediation has many similarities with the more modern, agile techniques and tools, as well as their fundamental assumptions. Both can really complement each other well.
Speakers Excellence: Can you give concrete examples of the similarities?
Dagmar Ponschab: It starts with the attitude: a radical respect for the views and ideas of others, active listening, a goal-oriented approach to solutions, and a high openness to change.
Arndt Schmidtmayer: ...as also partly described in the Agile Manifesto: interactions between individuals are more important than processes, and changes are better than the original plan. For example, the creativity methodology of Disney or the Kanban board is already used in both worlds. Also, points like not prematurely judging or condemning the ideas of others but rather building on their ideas are important and beneficial on both sides.
Dagmar Ponschab: Visualizing interests and ideas on colorful post-its works very well in both worlds.
Speakers Excellence: With all this agreement, is it actually 'one world' and not two, more of a pleonasm or old wine in new bottles?
Dagmar Ponschab: Well, there are certainly some people who would see this connection as trivial, even though there is not THE agility or THE mediation...
Arndt Schmidtmayer: ...just as there is not THE one (correct) leadership style. We should always adapt situatively to the individual, for example, with a conflict-reducing, meditative agility. In general, the somewhat more conservative world of mediation with its 6 fairly strict phases (including pre-discussion) can learn from the similar but much more creative and iterative 6 phases of Design Thinking, or measures developed in mediation can be evaluated according to the agile principle of desirability, feasibility, and economic viability.
Dagmar Ponschab: The conscious slowing down in sometimes even prophylactic mediation can be helpful in some extreme speed of agility, for example, individual conversations with an external mediator or coach can be very helpful. And daily stand-up meetings are more suitable in software development than in mediation.
Speakers Excellence: What is the concrete benefit of Agile Mediation or meditative agility?
Arndt Schmidtmayer: The possibilities for complementing each other are diverse: for example, most mediations (in theory and practice) end with the agreement on measures. However, I have found - just like with digital change programs - that understanding and agreeing does not necessarily mean implementation and retention. Therefore, we also see important possibilities for complementing mediation with agile methods such as Scrum with content reviews or retrospectives regarding interpersonal collaboration.
Dagmar Ponschab: Exactly, we also see, among other things, in a current start-up mediation, that in the fast-paced VUCA world, there are increasingly serious conflicts that can be resolved with mediation. And even with all the great New Work ideas, individuals with their different perceptions and experiences should be more involved preventively to avoid rejection and defensive attitudes.
Speakers Excellence: We are convinced of the explicit integration of mediation and agility. How can interested parties learn more and make progress now?
Arndt Schmidtmayer: If you see opportunities for complementing and linking both worlds in your work, or if you also notice differences, feel free to contact us, write to us about your personal experiences or your specific exchange needs.
Dagmar Ponschab: And why not evaluate yourself with our 8 pragmatic questions in the online quick test on agile mediation: www.agilemediation.ampeltool.net.
Speakers Excellence: Thank you for the interesting conversation and good luck with agile mediation and meditative agility.
