MEDIATION – THE 90% SOLUTION

It has been my experience that around 90 per cent of conflicts are resolved at mediation. I achieve this high success rate because of a combination of two factors.  One is my ability to work impartially with understanding and respect and build rapport with each of the protagonists and/or their solicitors/barristers/support persons.  Of course the other half of the equation is the willingness of both parties themselves to work towards resolving the issue.

I recently held a mediation session between two managers at a medium sized company. These two had not communicated with each other for several months and there was some evidence of sabotage. The company was losing customers and the employees were taking sides.

When I spoke with the COO, he informed me that if we didn’t manage to resolve the dispute at mediation, one or both managers would be fired. So I conducted pre-mediation sessions with both parties and we also met for a half an hour on the morning of the mediation.

The mediation itself lasted for eight hours and included multiple private sessions, offers and counter offers, threats to leave the mediation and interruptions by third parties.

At the end of the day, we were finally able to reach a full resolution. The employees shook hands.  A week later I followed up on their progress and was delighted to discover that everything was going well and that the two sales managers were actively communicating with each other.

It is a great feeling to know that I can be a catalyst to help bring about such a successful result. I shall continue to work towards resolution of conflict, one matter at a time.