Mediation

When disagreement continues to fester in spite of efforts to resolve a conflict on your own, then having the guidance of a disinterested third party often helps.

This is not the kind of mediation where a solution is "brokered" by the mediator; rather it involves helping both participants hear each other more realistically. When understanding increases, new and surprising solutions usually appear on their own. That way the relationship is restored and both parties can agree on steps for moving forward. One surprising outcome is often the realization that underneath the arguments, both parties have been triggered by the same unmet need.

WHO BENEFITS

Mediation serves people in any kind of organization, including schools and families. The only situation where it may not be effective is when there is a real or perceived imbalance of power, so one party simply does not feel safe enough to sit in the room and participate fully.

STRUCTURE

Mediation is most effective done in person in a neutral setting. Meetings last for 90 minutes to two hours.

• Introductory Conversation: A discovery conversation where you decide if this is for you or not.

• Premediation: A private meeting with each party, to clarify the issues and learn about the Effective Conversation process.

• Mediation: Generally three or four meetings before full resolution is reached.

• Postmediation: When the resolution needs follow-up coaching to provide support for full implementation.

If you or someone you know is caught up in a debilitating disagreement, please contact us for an introductory conversation. We start with an assessment, submit a contract, and gather together as soon as possible to relieve the distress and allow a new resolution to appear.