"You Can't Shake Hands with a Clenched Fist"
Indira Ghandi
Why I am a Mediator, not a Judge or Arbitrator
Although I am a lawyer by training, I have always believed that the people whose lives are affected by a conflict should be the ones to make the decisions pertaining to its resolution. They have to live with the outcome. In mediation, there can be no solution unless the parties agree. This is quite a different approach than going before a judge or arbitrator who renders a decision, thereby taking the power away from the parties. In those cases, there is a "winner" and a "loser". But a short term victory may result in the winning party losing future business or a good working relationship with the unhappy loser. In family matters, it is also beneficial for the impacted parties to work out their conflicts, both financial and interpersonal, outside of the legal battlefield. When people create the solution, they are more likely to comply with their agreement.
Why I am a Mediation and Communication Skills Trainer
In an ideal world, all conflicts would be prevented or preventable; there would be no need for conflict resolution. However, conflict has always existed and will continue to do so. When conflicts are not recognized or acknowledged, they can lead to low morale and productivity, high staff turn-over, a hostile work environment, negative publicity and litigation. My goal is to prevent conflicts where possible and to reduce their intensity in other cases.