‘The Ladder of Assumptions’ Next Ku’ikahi Brown Bag Session

Jack Hamilton. Ku’ikahi Mediation Center courtesy photo.

Ku’ikahi Mediation Center is preparing to host its next “Finding Solutions, Growing Peace” Brown Bag Lunch Session on March 17.

Each third Thursday of the month, Ku’ikahi hosts the talk story session from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney in Hilo.

For the month of March, Jack Hamilton will present “The Ladder of Assumptions: Exploring How Our Minds Work.”

“We see conflicts as happening between people. Yet, often these conflicts begin within an individual,” said Hamilton. “Learning how our minds work can give us insight into our inner selves and personal motivations, and help to clarify arguments with others.”

Hamilton will explore a tool called the “Ladder of Assumptions” that can help get at the roots of interpersonal conflicts. Using the ladder can uncover how quickly and unconsciously an individual races from the facts to interpretations, motives, and generalizations.

“Conflict is a natural dimension of human interactions that is typically caused by inaccurate assumptions and faulty communication,” Hamilton said. “We can become aware of the role that our unfounded assumptions play in creating conflict in our everyday lives.”

Hamilton has been honored by Santa Clara County, Calif., for his mediation work, and currently coaches mediators in a community mediation program. He has taught many conflict resolution workshops and classes, including at the Leadership Training Institute of the National League of Cities. In addition, Hamilton has published numerous articles and is the primary author of the book “Conflict – The Unexpected Gift: Making the Most of Disputes in Life and Work.”

The Ku’ikahi Brown Bag Lunch Series is both free and open to the public. Those who choose to attend should bring their own lunch.