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Issue May 2009
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Content

Articles
Introducing the Association for the Quality Development of Solution Focused Consulting and Training
Kirsten Dierolf, M.A., PCC

This Journal comes from the Association of Solution Focused Consulting and Training, a not-for-profit organisation registered in Germany in 2008 to support solution focused research, theory and practice. This article describes why we need the SFCT now, the advantages and benefits.

Solution Focused Conflict Management in Teams and in Organisations
Drs. Fredrike P. Bannink MDR

Rather than dwelling on the conflict, solution focused conflict management asks: what would you prefer instead of the conflict? The focus is on the preferred future of the team or organisation. Clients are considered capable of formulating their vision and of devising solutions that bring this hoped-for outcome closer. The expertise of the solution focused mediator lies in asking questions which help clients in this respect and in motivating clients to change. Conversations become positive and shorter.

Exploring what works: Is SF the best way of harnessing the impact of positive psychology in the workplace?
Carey Glass M.Sc, C. Psychol

Contemporary research is demonstrating the power of positive psychology in the workplace. Work linking positive psychology and SF is, however, at its genesis and untested. This article asks two questions: First, does SF operate as a methodology for bringing the fruits of positive psychology into the workplace? Second, if it does, what does this mean for the practice of SF? What aspects should we focus on to maximise what works? This will be examined through the ground breaking work of Barbara Frederickson. Frederickson's (2001) broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions will be considered and the evidence supporting it outlined. Hypotheses about the links between it, other cognate research and techniques used within SF will be examined to answer these questions.

The Grammar of Neuroscience: What can and cannot be said about brains and minds
Kirsten Dierolf MA PCC and Mark McKergow PhD MBA

While we are encouraged by the appearance of articles about neuroscience which support SF practice, we urge caution in interpreting these findings on three grounds. The different grammars of neuroscience (molecular grammar) and SF practice (people grammar) are not transposable, and according to Wittgenstein one cannot be reduced to the other. There is a risk of falling for the mereological fallacy - applying to a part (a brain) something which can only be applied to a whole (a person). Finally, the fundamentally social aspect of language calls into question our everyday assumptions about the links between mind, brain and language. Wittgenstein and others offer a way to say what can be said clearly, and to be as unmuddled as possible in our investigations and discussions.

Making It Happen With Your Team
Paul Z Jackson and Colin Coombs

Tate hired 'The Solutions Focus' for a departmental teambuilding. This article follows the design, delivery and results of the assignment.

Gale Miller: The man behind the mirror behind the mirror at BFTC
Mark McKergow

Professor Gale Miller is a member of the Department of Social and Cultural Sciences at Marquette University, Milwaukee. He is interested in research around issues involving language and social problems, and was involved as a researcher with Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg and their team at the Brief Family Therapy Centre during the evolution of what we now know as SF therapy. These observations led to his book Becoming Miracle Workers: Language and Meaning in Brief Therapy (1997). He continues to be involved with the SF community around the world.
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