Category: Conflict Resolution

  • How to persuade others using fear appeals?

    Persuading others using fear appeals Persuasion is the process of changing minds. Persuasion is an everyday part of human discourse. It is used by salesmen, parents, teachers, and many others – basically all of us. Persuasion in mediation is a two-way street. Long before you try to influence another to moderate their demands or consider…

  • How do you persuade someone if you think you are right and they are wrong?

    Persuasion is the process of changing minds. Persuasion is an everyday part of human discourse. It is used by salesmen, parents, teachers, and many others – basically all of us. Persuasion in mediation is a two-way street. Long before you try to influence another to moderate their demands or consider the other side’s point of…

  • The ingredients of any conflict – Power

    The ingredients of any conflict is power The ingredients of any conflict is power. All conflicts have similar ingredients. They may vary in degree but most are present in some way. The main ingredients are Needs, Perceptions, Power, Values, and Feelings and Emotions. Today, I am focusing on power. Power – How people define and…

  • Don’t be afraid of anger – angry people can’t lie.

    Don’t be afraid of anger – angry people can’t lie. The first step to resolve any conflict is to defuse anger.  But do not be afraid of anger.  An angry person can’t lie because anger is a primitive emotional response.  To lie, you must control your emotions and turn on your intellect.  So when someone…

  • Values – One of The ingredients of any conflict

    The ingredients of any conflict – Values Values are important within any conflict. All conflicts have similar ingredients. They may vary in degree but most are present in some way. The main ingredients are Needs, Perceptions, Power, Values, and Feelings and Emotions. Today, I am focusing on values. Values are beliefs or principles we consider…

  • I’m tired of being called a Mediation Neutral.

    I’m tired of being called a Mediation Neutral. Most Mediators describe themselves as being a neutral.  It doesn’t help that the courts and clients expect us to be neutral and describes us as such.  But mediators in Europe have difficulty with the description. In the German Language the term for neutral most closely translates back…

  • Listening is the best way to resolve conflicts.

    The better the information you have, the greater your chances of finding a workable solution.  Listen carefully to what others are saying, not judging until you hear everyone’s story.  Be aware of tone of voice, body language, and other clues.  Understand what each person is expressing – what he wants and what he is willing…

  • Ingredients of conflict – Perceptions

    The ingredients of any conflict – Perceptions Perceptions are part of any conflict. All conflicts have similar ingredients. They may vary in degree but most are present in some way. The main ingredients are Needs, Perceptions, Power, Values, and Feelings and Emotions. Today, I am focusing on perceptions. Perceptions – All humans interpret reality differently.…

  • Conflicts @Thanksgiving – How to Avoid

    Thanksgiving conflicts reduces anyone’s ability to be thankful. Thanksgiving is sometimes referred to as forced family time. It is ripe for all kinds of potential conflicts.  Here are some things to minimize or avoid conflicts on the big day without lowering your expectations of being truly thankful.     ·     Realize that Norman Rockwell was a…

  • Mediators Playing the Devil’s Advocate

    Mediators Playing the Devil ’s Advocate Devil’s Advocate is one of the roles of a mediator. A good mediator such as myself, does not forfeit his personal opinions simply because he serves as a neutral facilitator. These opinions and preconceptions can help inform certain beliefs. However, a strong mediator knows how to view a case…