During mediation parties brainstorm creative solutions and negotiate a settlement outcome. They collaborate and create the “script” they will follow in the future. Faulty decision making can sabotage the process.
The Satisfaction of an Apology
November 21, 2010 by |
Last week, as I conferred with staff from the Los Angeles Archdiocese during a conference, the topic of apology arose; then, this past week, apology also arose in a discussion on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Facebook page.
Light the Fire
October 19, 2010 by |
Conflict resolution is not appeasement. I find myself repeating this phrase frequently, battling the stereotype that portrays mediators and peacemakers as appeasers who demand we capitulate to the whims of more aggressive or deceptive parties.
Clinging to Victim Status
October 18, 2010 by |
In Taming the Wolf I introduce and discuss common barriers to forgiveness. One barrier is our tendency to cling tenaciously to the role of victim, turning “victim” into an identity we accept and value.
Sources of Conflict: The Hidden Influence
August 6, 2010 by |
In Taming the Wolf I take up the important topic of the hidden influence—the outside party that causes two other parties to clash.
Who Are You? Conflict Lurking Beneath the Surface
July 13, 2010 by |
Thoughts precede actions. Our thoughts regarding “who we are” have the power to determine our behavior. Typically, we try to act in ways that are consistent with our vision of “who we are.”
But You Promised!
April 8, 2010 by |
When we pop the hood and peer into the engine of hostility driving a conflict it pays for us to look closely for disappointed expectations. Typically, at the heart of conflict we find broken dreams and dashed hopes.
Assessing Opposition
March 19, 2010 by |
When we attempt to resolve conflict it helps if we dig below the surface to uncover fundamental factors driving conflict. We peel off the skin of the conflict to get at the skeleton in order to remedy basic structural relationship problems.
Making Decisions
January 9, 2010 by |
A mediator facilitates a process the parties consider fair and just; a mediator encourages candor and respect between parties; and he fosters a collaborative approach to satisfying party interests. Nonetheless, the outcome may be sabotaged by flawed decision-making.
Satisfaction
December 29, 2009 by |
How do we measure success in mediation? Typically we assess party satisfaction. We look at three variables: procedural, psychological, and substantive satisfaction.
