Ken Strongman, Esq. – Mediator

Tag: kenneth strongman

  • 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…

  • To a Lawyer, what is a tweet? i.e. a definition for an attorney.

    Lawyers need to understand the basic definition of a tweet. Twitter is only one aspect 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. What is a Tweet? A…

  • 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…

  • What am I getting for my money when I hire a mediator?

    What am I actually getting for my money when I hire a mediator? When you hire me as your mediator, you are buying the opportunity, through a neutral third party, to evaluate with someone who is an objective “sounding board,” your real needs (personal, economic, spiritual, etc.) and to evaluate which dispute resolution process will…

  • Teaching youth how to resolve conflicts.

    Teaching youth how to resolve conflicts. I’m privileged to be an adult staff member for a National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course.  It is a very satisfying experience and a lot of fun.  One key topic on the course is how to resolve conflicts as a leader.  This blog is adapted from this course. Leading…

  • If I, as mediator, give my opinion in a dispute, doesn’t that mean I am biased?

      If I, as mediator, give my opinion in a dispute, doesn’t that mean I am biased? Absolutely not!  I as mediator form opinions on many issues for many reasons. One of the primary things I do as mediator is to help you to evaluate the pros and cons of your position in a dispute…

  • 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…

  • 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…