Humorous tools for the mediator’s toolbox

When we mediation trainers talk about the mediator’s toolbox, we’re usually talking serious stuff like reframing, uncovering interests, and the like.

There’s room in those toolboxes for well-timed humor, too, and this post describes six of my favorite gizmos and tools. I’ve got all of them and I use ‘em when the timing’s right. Oh yeah – they make me laugh too, and I’ve been known to use them in my own life. Enjoy!

Wash Away Your Sins Moist Towelettes

My big sister found these and thought I’d get a hoot out of them. I did indeed. I’ve had several clients who got a chuckle too. May I suggest placement near the soap dispenser in your office restroom?

Wag More Bark Less Bumper Sticker

I buy these by the bunch now and give them to clients. There’s one on my own car too, and people express appreciation for it all the time. Maybe if we all put them on we can cure some of that road rage out there.

Dog House Cards

These cards are hysterical. Straightforward, no bull, great images to make the point in very few words. They’re perfect for the reception space in your office and to lighten the mood a bit.

Dial-an-Excuse

I’m a big fan of KnockKnock’s witty products and this one’s no exception. A tongue-in-cheek set of “excuse-necessary scenarios” and 180 corresponding excuses.

Argument Ender Dice

I’ve had occasion, when I decided the mood in the room could handle it, to pull these out and offer them to clients for help in those last little details that are getting in the way of them being done with negotiations. Yes, I keep a little bag of the dice in my briefcase.

The Official Karma Violation Ticket Book

30 humorous “karma tickets” to let friends, family and colleagues know they missed the mark, bound in a realistic looking ticket book. My mediation students loved them.

Have any humorous conflict and resolution-related gifts, tools, or knickknacks you love? Tell me about it in the comments – I’d love to add more to my toolbox.

Happy holidays, everyone. Thanks for being there, for sharing your questions, ideas, feedback and reactions for the five years of this blog’s life — you make it worthwhile and, yes, fun! I’m closing my office through January 3 to give my full love and time to family and friends over the holiday season. There will be a post or two here during that time and I’ll respond to comments and questions on January 4.