Mediation and resolving Conflict

Mediation is "principled negotiation" using an impartial third party.

We spend a great deal of our time at work, so it seems reasonable that we do not always 'get on' together, and can have quite in depth clashes of opinions and ideas. These 'conflicts' often fade away as solutions and compromises are found. However, sometimes the conflict can explode, create friction and a heated atmosphere.

This might be the time to ask in an external independent mediator.

Tasks of a Mediator

As a mediator I believe the key skill is to listen and hear in an impartial way. This skill is crucial to help individuals who might feel stuck in dispute.

As a mediator I can:

• Manage the process of the mediation ensuring things keep moving positively.
• Facilitate communications, clarifications and open discussions.
• Explore solutions to find creative ways forward when problems appear.
• Collect information to fill any gaps of knowledge by all the involved people .
• Test the reality which invites people to consider their positions in the face of outside realities.
• Provide a sensitive audience allowing people to be and feel heard, and their emotions recognised as legitimate.
• Observe and witness to provide a safe mediation space while they explore dispute issues that can feel anything but safe.
• Carry messages between people, when face-to-face contact is too painful or aspects of the dispute have to be considered privately from the other party.
• Help to make a 'deal' to actually frame the terms of any agreement that may be required.
• Provide an ongoing resource if the mediation does not resolve straight away, and suggest a process to continue the work.

Recent examples

• Mediating between three senior managers to define their interlocking roles
• Working with a new CEO and their inherited team
• Mediating between HR and an individual with performance issues
• Working with a manager, and the team involved with allegations of bullying