I always keenly watch the Nobel Prize winners each year, particularly the Peace Prize. This year it was awarded to Martti Ahtisaari. The press release from The Norwegian Nobel Committee follows. You'll find today's coaching exercises after that.
The Nobel Peace Prize for 2008
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Martti Ahtisaari for his important efforts, on several continents and over more than three decades, to resolve international conflicts. These efforts have contributed to a more peaceful world and to “fraternity between nations” in Alfred Nobel’s spirit.
Throughout all his adult life, whether as a senior Finnish public servant and President or in an international capacity, often connected to the United Nations, Ahtisaari has worked for peace and reconciliation. For the past twenty years, he has figured prominently in endeavours to resolve several serious and long-lasting conflicts. In 1989-90 he played a significant part in the establishment of Namibia’s independence; in 2005 he and his organization Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) were central to the solution of the complicated Aceh question in Indonesia. In 1999 and again in 2005-07, he sought under especially difficult circumstances to find a solution to the conflict in Kosovo. In 2008, through the CMI and in cooperation with other institutions, Ahtisaari has tried to help find a peaceful conclusion to the problems in Iraq. He has also made constructive contributions to the resolution of conflicts in Northern Ireland, in Central Asia, and on the Horn of Africa.
Although the parties themselves have the main responsibility for avoiding war and conflict, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has on several occasions awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to mediators in international politics. Today Ahtisaari is an outstanding international mediator. Through his untiring efforts and good results, he has shown what role mediation of various kinds can play in the resolution of international conflicts. The Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to express the hope that others may be inspired by his efforts and his achievements.
Oslo, 10 October 2008
Coaching Exercises
1. What is the significance of the Nobel Peace Prize to you? What significance do you feel it has for society as a whole? Why is it important in your opinion, to acknowledge such works? (In case you're thinking there are obvious answers to these questions, please reconsider and take some time to really think through your own responses. Think about the impact for yourself and others, and take your thinking as large and all encompassing as you're willing to do. Think critically.)
2. This prize was awarded for the contribution of mediation to intense conflict situations. How would you define mediation? What in your opinion makes exceptional mediation skills?
3. How would you define your own abilities at mediation? What are your strengths? What are your opportunities for further development? How important would it be for you, and possibly others, if you developed this skill yourself more?
4. As a result of these questions and your personal exploration and answers, what are you committing to?
As always, if you need any further personal support in response to any of these coaching exercises, please consider using the askacoach.com service.
All the best,
Noel
Noel Posus - Master Coach
www.askacoach.com
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