Nations in conflict are drawn to the mediation process on the basis of the perceived promise that neutrality holds and yet the concept of neutrality is fraught with difficulty. A mediator is often required to be a neutral intervener in the parties’ dispute’. Unfortunately, often times the mediation process failed because ego gets in the way, and parties forget to listen; resulting in interruptions where parties talk over each other and preventing the dispute to be solved.
Active listening is a technique that helps people establish a foundation of trust and understanding with the conflicting parties. In this podcast, Sundeep talks about the importance of listening. We also explore his life as an independent mediator in his quest to resolve conflicts between nations peacefully. He shares with us the techniques and wisdom he acquired throughout his career.
“There’s less risk in listening than talking…When you talk you can make a mistake, and you can say something which may be interpreted in a way that is not really helpful…”
Sundeep Waslekar is an Indian thought leader on conflict resolution and global future. He is the President of Strategic Foresight Group and has authored three books on governance and several research reports on managing future challenges. Sundeep Waslekar is known for developing innovative policy concepts for peaceful change.
He has been involved in parallel diplomatic exercises to find common ground in the times of crisis, negotiating with Heads of Government, cabinet ministers, diplomats, hydraulic engineers and terrorists. He has facilitated dialogue between Indian and Pakistani decision makers, heads of Nepalese political parties and water authorities in Africa and the Middle East.
In the 1990s, he authored three books on governance The New World Order, South Asian Drama, and Dharma-Rajya: Path-breaking Reforms for India’s Governance. Since 2002, he has authored several research reports on global future under the auspices of the Strategic Foresight Group.
Sundeep has authored a best-seller book in his native Marathi language, Eka Dishecha Shodh (on new directions for India’s future), which had 15 editions in the first three years. It has been translated into other Indian languages, converted into a Talking Book and been an inspiration for the formation of several civil society organisations.
You can find Sundeep on LinkedIn
Wisdoms Takeaway
- If you are listening, there is no question of misinterpretation.
- Advise should be based on solid research and logic rather than emotion.
- Being open allows you to understand other people’s view which allows you to find solutions in conflicts
- Individuals can participate and influence decisions of governments
- Humankind is not warmongering, only 25 countries in the world are actually increasing military power
- Passion doesn’t deliver on its own
- Understand your destiny x support with determination = deliver result with satisfaction