Expecting to go into mediation without coming to some sort of impasse is like going hiking and being surprised the path up the mountain is not paved. If two parties could agree on a solution, […]
mpasses, like roadblocks, happen. We know this, and we usually build some extra time into our commutes to allow for delays. It’s helpful if you plan to do the same with mediation. Hopefully it will be smooth sailing at highway speeds the whole way, but occasionally, you may hit an obstacle. The first step is to understand the underlying cause of the impasse.
If you want to see how singing is done, you watch Aretha circa 1960. If you want to see how soccer should be played, you watch Pele. If you want to see a master director, […]
Whether you are trying to resolve a workplace conflict, get a raise, purchase a home, or choose a vacation destination with your spouse, the key to a successful negotiation is understanding your interests and those […]
Chocolate chip cookies – good. Oreos – good. Chocolate chip cookies stuffed with Oreos – very good? Depends. Sometimes, combining two effective- or delicious – things is incredibly powerful. Or it’s a mess. Mediation and […]
Have you ever watched an MMA fight? You’ll see fighters who are loath to give up even when their bones are at the breaking point. Then there are others who “tap out” if a hold […]
Conflict in the workplace is a serious issue that can result in absenteeism, reduced productivity, high turnover, and lost revenue. Often employees don’t have the tools needed to effectively deal with conflict and many find […]
Avoiding disputes is like avoiding a common cold. You may want to; you may try everything in your power to ward germs away; you may shy away from those who are infected. But all it […]
Not only is conflict unavoidable, it is desirable. “Good conflict” may sound like an oxymoron, but in fact, conflict can often bring about positive change.
Mediation is so effective because it is collaborative. We have, however, turned it into an adversarial process: it’s us against them. In this game, there are never two winners, and that’s unfortunate. In mediation, there can be, and often are, two victorious parties.
