Category: Business

In the words of the eminent Scottish poet Robert Burns, try to see yourself as others see you. Strive also to see others as they see themselves. Clearly define the issues at the outset of the dispute. Remember, you can’t argue about a fact, but only be ignorant of it. Bluffing and puffing in the…

  Remember: your goal is to get the disputants to agree with each other; it is not to pass judgment on the merits of their respective claims. Never let your personal views on the merits of the dispute influence your mediation efforts. It is not inappropriate and is, in fact, desirable for you to take…

Mediators as Peace Makers Mediators are peacemakers. Their goal is to get both sides to agree with each other. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” the Bible tells us, “for they shall be called the children of God.” Shakespeare did not go quite that far. He simply said: “Blessed are the peacemakers on earth.” John (Tex) McCrary,…

In negotiation, the disputants have sole responsibility for the outcome. The introduction of mediation does not end the negotiation. On the contrary the negotiation continues: mediation is simply an adjunct to negotiation. The disputants remain the final decision makers. The subject matter of the controversy and the time frame also remain the same. The mediator…

  Often we may have to arbitrate conflicts. Keeping in mind these 10 points will prove helpful during such situations. Keep in mind that: your goal is to decide the dispute in accordance with the mandate the parties have given you; it is not to impose your judgment of fairness. Simply splitting the difference is…