Conflict Resolution through Mediation
Every now and then, people find themselves in conflict situations. This is an alarming place to be in, but it is also a resourceful place. The mindset I operate with as a mediator considers the conflict parties involved in a dispute to be the best experts when it comes to its resolution. What's blocking them is the fact that they can't communicate effectively with each other due to the emotional extremity of the situation.
In such cases, it can be extremely helpful to change the dynamic of communication between the parties by introducing an impartial third person (a mediator) who can become the conversation partner for each participant while the others are present and listening but can't react immediately. This change in dynamic offers remarkable benefits to people who are locked in a conflict, which has often escalated over time.
As your mediator, I will employ a variety of techniques and will ask different types of clarifying questions that will help me understand you and your situation better while also helping you gain a different perspective of the situation you are involved in. I will also be responsible for the structure of the conversation and for making sure all the important points you mention during our sessions are documented and addressed.
In a conflict mediation, the participants go through five phases, during which they are guided and supported by the mediator:
Phase 1: Introductory call/meeting - this is where you will tell me about the situation you are in and ask any questions you might have about the process, its duration, and the related costs. In turn, I will provide a roadmap for how I as a mediator can support you in navigating through the conflict. If you decide to proceed with mediation, we will design the process with the time and financial implications in mind.
Phase 2: Inventory - this is where I will be able to find out more about each individual party's stance on the topic at hand (which the conflict usually revolves around) and help you formulate your individual positions on all relevant parts of the conflict
Phase 3: Conflict Clarification - this is where we will take each of the formulated positions and look at them from all possible angles, enabling each party to gain a better understanding of their own and the respective other party's needs and motivations. I will support you in formulating your individual criteria that need to be met in order for you to be able to agree to a potential solution/plan for the future
Phase 4: Developing options - this is where you will work together on developing different options that fulfill the criteria established in Phase 3 and select the option(s) that best fit(s) your individual situation
Phase 5: Agreement - after you have selected the final option/solution, I will support you through a "reality-check" process to ensure the solution you have developed really meets your (individual) needs and is realistic/reasonable. Once we've made sure these criteria are fulfilled, this final phase will conclude with signing a written agreement, which contains the points you have agreed upon
In 6-8 weeks, I'm going to contact you for a follow-up call to check where you currently are and what has changed since our last mediation session.
If necessary and requested by you, this final phase can be completed in the presence of a lawyer who can formulate an actual contract containing the points of agreement. This is particularly useful in founding mediations or in conflicts between business partners, for example. We can discuss this option during our introductory call to find the best solution for you.