Category: Mediation

  • 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.…

  • 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…

  • Needs: an ingredient of any conflict

    Needs are ingredients 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 needs. Needs – Needs are physical requirements essential to our well-being. Conflicts arise when we…

  • Resolving conflicts through negotiation

    Resolving conflicts through negotiation. Resolving Conflict through negotiation is a part of life. Negotiation is how conflicts are resolved. Hopefully, they can be resolved peacefully and to the satisfaction of both parties to the conflict. Leaders’ skill set must include negotiation. Therefore, some of these blog postings will deal with ways a leader can help…

  • Seven reasons to avoid a joint mediation session

    Seven reasons to avoid a joint mediation session This and many other topics will be revealed in: The “End Game” of Mediation and How to Succeed at It [A Comprehensive Road Map to the Mediation Process] on Tuesday, March 10, 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm @ the Contra Costa Bar Association. Speakers Ken Strongman, Esq.…

  • Resolving conflicts through negotiation

    Resolving conflicts through negotiation. Resolving Conflict is a part of life. Negotiation is how conflicts are resolved. Hopefully, they can be resolved peacefully and to the satisfaction of both parties to the conflict. It is also part of any leaders skill set. Therefore, some of these blog postings will deal with ways a leader can…

  • A handy tool for resolving conflicts.

    A very handy tool for approaching any conflict situation that needs to be resolved is E.A.R.  Ask the people involved to: Express – What you want and what are you doing to get it. Address – Why it is working or not working. Resolve – What ways there are to solve the situation. **For the…

  • 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…

  • FAQ: Are Retired Judges Better Mediators?

    FAQ: Are Retired Judges Better Mediators? It is assumed that a retired judge makes a better mediator than someone that has not been a judge.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  Rendering judgment requires an entirely different skill set than helping the parties resolve their case through mediation.  The day to day activities of…

  • 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…