One of the highlights for me of a recent presentation given by Dr Gabija about neuroscience and conflict was the part when she talked about ‘mammalian brain’ dominant traits compared with ‘human brain’ dominant traits (and ‘reptilian brain’ which this article does not deal with) by reference to different parts of the human brain anatomy responsible for different cognitive and emotional resources.

It got me thinking about the relevance of this model to my mediation practice and how I might shape some additional strategies, skills and interventions around this model and these distinctions.

As a mediator, I think it is crucial, as we have first contact with our clients and begin working with them, that we identify their ‘mammalian’ traits and needs whilst focusing on stimulating and empowering their ‘human reflective’ capacity and resources.

So, what are the mammalian dominant needs and human dominant traits?

Dr Gabija described some of the mammalian dominant traits as follows;

• Seeks safety
• Focuses on narrow interests- narrowminded
• Selfish/fearful
• Stuck in ‘me’ mindset and paranoia
• Find it difficult to understand others
• Judgemental, rigid and polarised in their thinking
• Labels things
• Seeks to be right- strong tendency towards self-justification, entitlement and blame

All these traits characterise the mammalian brain mind chatter and will be recognisable to us all in the narratives we hear as mediator.

By comparison Dr Dr Gabija describes the ‘human brain’ dominant traits as follows;

• Seeks truth
• Open minded and calm
• Empathic
• Can work with and accept differences
• Willingness to learn
• Curious about others
• Finds it easy to consider other perspectives

These traits characterise the ‘human parts’ of the brain responsible for empathy, rapport, resonance and attunement, needed for connection.

These are the aspects the mediator has to prime/activate and empower in themselves and in their clients in preparation for mediation.

Whilst assessing and analysing our clients in preparation for mediation as well as during mediation this is a useful model of the brain upon which to base and develop powerful mediation strategies, skills and techniques which leverage the best parts of the ‘human brain’ traits listed above

Thank you Dr Gabija for an insightful evening talking about neuroscience and conflict.