Mediation and Conflict Management for Local Government Leaders
Build Respect, Resolve Conflict and Empower Councillors for Collaborative Leadership.
Conflict between Councillors, the refusal to cooperate with each other and combative Council meetings is causing dysfunction in Councils. The infighting is costing ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars and harms their reputation. The refusal of Councillors to cooperate has led to over 56 Councillors resigning and the appointment of Monitors to over 10 Councils over the last term in Victoria.
It does not have to be this way. Conflict does not have to be destructive. When Councillors learn the skills on how to navigate conflict effectively, negotiate and work collaboratively, they can foster great working relationships.
When Councillors work with me I help them navigate conflict effectively and teach them the skills to respond to discord constructively, preventing the collapse into contempt and arguments. My approach to managing conflict is grounded in the latest insights from neuroscience, conflict mediation, and social psychology.
Corporate Partner
Contact me -
Suite 1, 242, Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North, Vic 3161
annemarie@annemariecade.com
+61 401 601 737
Former Mayor and Councillor
Anne-Marie Cade
I love working with local government leaders and teaching them the practical tools and strategies to manage confict effectively and foster collaborative working relationships. As well as my experience as a Councillor I am also an award-winning mediator, lawyer, and conflict resolution specialist so I am right person to help you as I get it. I have lived experiece in the role. I have heard from Mayors and Councillors how challenging dealing with incivilty can be. I can help you break these destructive matters.
2024 Service to Dispute Resolution
Conflict Coach of the Year
ADR Project of the Year
ADR Innovation of the Year
Mediator of the year
How I can help
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Mediation
Mediation to help you resolve your disputes. I can help you foster open and honest discussions with your fellow Councillors or staff to achieve long-term resolutions.
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Coaching
I provide Councillors with the targeted coaching support needed to navigate difficult conversations, become effective communicators and deal with specific conflict issues so you can manage the dynamics within the group with ease.
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Workshops
Workshops are designed to equip Councillors and teams with the skills needed to effectively manage conflict, navigate difficult conversations and cultivate civility through real-life examples, interactive activities, and role-playing exercises.
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Targeted Support
Wordsmithing and meticulously reviewing Codes of Conduct and Govenance Rules to ensure clarity and compliance so there is little room for disagreements. I can also assist with drafting correspondence to enhance communication and elevate community engagement.
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"Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We gained much from your presentation on how to navigate the role as a new Councillor, and this is confirmed by comments made by all present."
Max Arnott - Board Chair at Colac Area Health Foundation."
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“Anne-Marie has presented to our alumni at ‘Women for Election’ on multiple occasions on “How to Navigate Difficult Conversations”. Anne-Marie provides women running for election with the opportunity to practise responding to negative talk. She also offers practical tips for uncomfortable conversations, whether on the campaign trail or once elected. Anne-Marie has significant knowledge on conflict resolution techniques and she can provide a unique perspective on how to navigate difficult conversations in the political context
Licia Heath CEO – Women for Election, Australia
