What exactly is mediation?
Mediation is a structured process in which a neutral third party helps to
resolve a dispute and facilitate a mutually acceptable agreement between
individuals or groups.
Who would benefit from a mediation? Organizations that have...
• chronic people problems that won't go away
• escalating tensions that are leaking into other areas of the organization
• divisiveness caused by "us" and "them" groups
• a disgruntled employee threatening a lawsuit
• an owner who wants to retire, but can't due to personnel issues
• a talented performer worth keeping, but who has serious communication
problems
• a manager who doesn't know how to handle a difficult employee
Who else benefits?
Everyone! Conflict affects everyone, from managers and leaders, to the
co-workers who suffer from "collateral damage," to customers. No one is immune
from the virus that travels through the veins of an organization.
What people learn
Emotional intelligence skills
• recognizing feelings before they escalate
• modulating tone and body language
• responding rather than reacting
• reducing defensiveness
Negotiation skills
• defining the problem
• improving listening abilities
• negotiating win-win agreements
• clarifying accountability
Conflict prevention skills
• understanding the root causes of conflict
• recognizing different conflict styles
• respecting cultural and gender differences
• developing creative solutions to conflict
Structure and format: Typically, a three-stage process:
1. One-on-one meetings to gather information and build trust
2. A joint session, in which differences are addressed and agreements made in
writing
3. One or more follow-up sessions, in which participants review their
agreements and decide if any refinements need to be made
Testimonials from recent clients
"Your sessions were a catalyst in helping our department create the cohesiveness
and trust we needed. Thank you!"
--John O'Loughlin, Director of Corporate Security Sun Microsystems, Inc.
"The meetings you led addressed and resolved our tensions, surprisingly quickly.
We especially appreciated your follow-through and checking in to make sure we
stayed on track."
--David A. Somerville, CPA, Managing Partner Anderson, Lucas, Somerville, &
Borges
"In less than four hours, you were able to help the two parties improve their
communication, find common ground, and agree on an amicable and productive
working relationship."
--Leonard Osborne, President LACO Associates Consulting Engineers
"Your intervention achieved the results we hoped for. Both parties, and others
who work with them, are experiencing a much improved climate in our workplace.
I appreciate your professionalism and skill, your thorough preparation,
thoughtful approach, and follow-through."
--David Boyd, Center Director Del Norte California Conservation Corps
"Thanks to your sessions, the communication problems in our office that
contributed to team friction, animosity and low employee morale have been
solved."
--Daniel Mount, Partner Mount and Stoelker, Attorneys