Joanne, your role as Practice Manager includes various key roles to ensure a smooth and efficient streamline for the mediators and the cases, can you tell us how you got into this role and how you have honed your own skills in order to be such a vital part of the team? My professional career to date spans across 35 years. I began my journey in the retail sector in customer service and sales floor management. I progressed to senior management level rapidly because sales, leadership and customer service came so naturally to me. I also spent part of my earlier career working as a civil servant on the frontline for what is now referred to as the Department for Work and Pensions. The skills I learnt here were invaluable because of the experiences I had included having difficult conversations and mastering the art of communication. Mastering the art of communication is a lifelong journey that involves continuous learning, practice, and refinement. I am constantly practising active listening. I avoid using jargon or overly complex language and I try to understand the perspectives and emotions of others. Empathetic communication fosters trust and strengthens relationships. I believe it is important to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs openly and respectfully. I also seek constructive criticism from clients because this can help me to identify areas for improvement. In the workplace I like to encourage open communication and aim to create a supportive environment where my teammates and the mediators I work with, feel comfortable expressing themselves. I always stay curious and am open to learning new communication Joanne Claypole, the Practice Manager at IPOS Mediation has allowed us an in depth look into the work of mediators, how beneficial they can be and the impact IPOS has on their clients. Joanne has a wealth of experience in the industry and she shares with us key take aways and advice including her own motivation to join the legal industry. Gain insight into the determination of someone in the industry, how diversity advancements have been taken and the work of a mediator. Practice Manager IPOS Mediation IPOS Mediation LLP, International Dispute Resolution Centre 1 Paternoster Lane, London, EC4M 7BQ Tel: 0333 014 4575 | Email: info@mediate.co.uk www.mediate.co.uk Joanne Claypole Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year 32 www.lawyer-monthly.com Lawyer Monthly Women in Law Awards 2024
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