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    BPI Expert Faculty

    Ken Cloke

    Director

    Center for Dispute Resolution

    Key Takeaways

    • 1.Serves as Director of the Center for Dispute Resolution and co-founder of Mediators Beyond Borders.
    • 2.Specializes in resolving complex multi-party conflicts and designing preventative conflict resolution systems for organizations.
    • 3.Has mediated thousands of disputes and worked in over 20 countries to advance peacebuilding.
    • 4.Author of numerous books and articles on mediation and dialogue, including "Conflict Revolution".

    About Ken

    Who is Ken Cloke?

    Ken Cloke is a highly respected mediator, dialogue facilitator, conflict resolution systems designer, teacher, public speaker, and author. With over 37 years of experience in the field of alternative dispute resolution, he is a recognized pioneer and leader. He currently serves as the Director of the Center for Dispute Resolution in Santa Monica, CA, and is a co-founder of Mediators Beyond Borders, an organization dedicated to building global conflict resolution capacity.

    What is Ken Cloke known for?

    Ken Cloke is widely recognized for his expertise in resolving complex multi-party conflicts, facilitating dialogue, and designing preventative conflict resolution systems for organizations. His work emphasizes moving beyond traditional power- and rights-based approaches to conflict, advocating for collaborative, interest-based solutions. He has mediated thousands of disputes across various sectors, including marital, family, community, workplace, collective bargaining, and public policy issues. His contributions extend globally, having worked in over 20 countries to advance conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

    What is Ken Cloke's background and experience?

    Ken Cloke's extensive career in conflict resolution began in 1980 when he became a mediator. In 1983, he founded the Center for Dispute Resolution, where he has since served as a mediator, arbitrator, facilitator, coach, consultant, and trainer. Through this center, he has addressed a wide range of disputes, designing systems that promote communication and collaborative negotiation. In 2006, he co-founded Mediators Beyond Borders, an organization that mobilizes mediators to foster conflict resolution literacy and capacity in underserved communities worldwide. His international work has taken him to countries such as Greece, Nicaragua, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, India, Pakistan, Cuba, and Brazil, where he has taught and mediated. Cloke holds a Juris Doctorate from UC Berkeley's Boalt Law School, and both a Ph.D. and a Master of Laws from UCLA. He also completed post-doctoral work at Yale University School of Law and is a graduate of the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada.

    What topics does Ken Cloke speak and write about?

    Ken Cloke is a prolific author, having written numerous books and articles on mediation, dialogue, and conflict resolution. His works, including The Dance of Opposites and Conflict Revolution, explore innovative approaches to transforming conflict into opportunities for learning and collaboration. He delves into topics such as collaborative negotiation, dialogue facilitation, and the design of effective conflict resolution systems. His writings often highlight the interconnectedness between personal and global conflicts, advocating for systemic shifts towards peaceful and collaborative problem-solving. Beyond his publications, he is a sought-after public speaker and teacher, sharing his insights on fostering communication and resolving disputes in various contexts.

    How does Ken Cloke contribute to the Best Practice Institute?

    Ken Cloke contributes his profound expertise in conflict resolution to the Best Practice Institute by sharing insights that are vital for creating harmonious and productive workplaces. Through his webinars, such as "Resolving Conflict in the Workplace," he offers practical strategies and a deep understanding of how organizations can address and transform chronic conflicts. His philosophy aligns with BPI's mission to advance best practices by empowering individuals and organizations to examine their "conflict cultures" and implement collaborative approaches. His guidance helps BPI's audience cultivate environments where disputes become opportunities for growth and positive change, rather than sources of division.

    Background & Perspective

    Background

    Ken Cloke is a distinguished mediator, facilitator, and leader in the field of alternative dispute resolution. He holds a Juris Doctorate from UC Berkeley's Boalt Law School, a Ph.D. and a Master of Laws from UCLA, and completed post-doctoral work at Yale University School of Law. In 1983, Cloke founded the Center for Dispute Resolution, where he has served as a mediator, arbitrator, coach, and consultant. In 2006, he co-founded Mediators Beyond Borders to foster conflict resolution literacy and capacity in underserved communities globally.

    Areas of Expertise

    With over 37 years of experience, Cloke is a pioneer in the field. He specializes in designing preventative, interest-based conflict resolution systems for organizations. His work spans a wide variety of disputes, including workplace, collective bargaining, and public policy issues. He is highly skilled in facilitating dialogue in complex multi-party conflicts, emphasizing collaborative negotiation to move beyond traditional power-based approaches.

    Authorship and Speaking Topics

    Ken Cloke is a prolific author and sought-after public speaker on conflict resolution. His books, including The Dance of Opposites and Conflict Revolution, present innovative methods for transforming conflicts into opportunities for collaboration. He speaks and writes on topics such as dialogue facilitation, collaborative negotiation, and designing effective conflict resolution systems, sharing his insights globally to promote systemic shifts toward peaceful problem-solving.

    Areas of Expertise

    MediationConflict ResolutionDialogue FacilitationCollaborative NegotiationConflict Resolution Systems DesignWorkplace ConflictMulti-Party Disputes

    Research Topics

    Conflict ManagementOrganizational DevelopmentWorkplace Relations

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