Ken Strongman, Esq. – Mediator

Category: Speaking & Training

  • Communication skills are important in resolving conflicts

      “Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.” — Gerald R. Ford, 38th President of the United States   Good communication is the most important tool for resolving conflicts.  Listening is the key to good communication.  Use your ears more than your mouth.  Encourage others to talk but offer no…

  • Why Twitter for Lawyers? For Listening.

    Twitter as a listening device and headline scanner are aspects of Social Media that Legal Professionals need to master. My Project Social Media presents my thoughts regarding the impact of social media marketing on the practice of law. See my page to for more information. Therefore let’s get to the heart of the matter: Why…

  • 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…

  • If you can’t get people to do anything, how to you resolve conflicts.

    In my leadership training on conflict resolution, I have the participates conduct a closed fist exercise.  The participants pair off.  One forms a fist and the other has three minutes to convince them to open their fists. In the debriefing time we discuss how they managed to convince the other to open their fists.   The…

  • 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…

  • Negotiation Tips for resolving conflicts.

    Negotiation is an Important Skill Negotiation is an important skill in mediation or any conflict resolution. It is needed for the parties to come to an agreement and thereby resolve a conflict.  It doesn’t matter if the conflict developed at home or at work, or in any leadership situation.   Separate People from the Problem When…

  • Being aware of others is important to conflict resolution

    Being Aware of Others is an Important Step to Resolve Conflicts Being aware of others is an important step to conflict resolution.  Being aware of others helps you adjust the situation for a good outcome.  It is important to be aware of their physical comfort and any other factors that might be affecting their emotions. …

  • When are people most likely to do what you ask?

    When are people most likely to do what you ask?  (Especially if it is something they are not excited about!) ·     When they trust you ·     Experience shows you are a reliable leader and ally ·     They understand you make decisions for the good of the group ·     They know you care about them How…

  • You need to be aware of yourself before you can resolve a conflict.

    If you are upset or angry, it affects how you relate to others.  You must be aware of your own emotions.  We all have them, so don’t deny them.  If necessary you may need to call a time-out to let your own emotions cool down. It is not just having an understanding of your own…

  • Steps to Resolve Conflict.

    There are basic steps to resolve conflicts. All leaders are bound to encounter difficulties between two people or groups.  This will happen when the team is in the ‘storming’ stage of team development.  In this stage the conflict may not be completely obvious.  It’s quite true that some will act out their issues.  Others can…