Somebody asked me the other day why I liked conducting mediations.  I explained that rather like solving the Rubik’s cube or a difficult crossword puzzle, I really enjoy the challenge of finding a way to resolve a seemingly insolvable conflict.   In fact I find I have about a 90% success rate.

To illustrate my point, here’s an example of a recent mediation.

There were several parties involved and we needed to find a solution.  Urgently. We had set up the mediation with all the parties and their lawyers.  If we didn’t find a solution, there was going to be litigation.  At stake were possibly years of protracted litigation not to mention the hundreds of thousands spent on lawyers, experts and the like.

So a date was set aside and we all gathered to begin the process.  There were lots of private sessions and breaks.  It was slow progress.   It wasn’t easy as the parties were obdurate but at the same time they really wanted resolution.  It took us about eleven hours.

Finally we managed to reach agreement.  It was duly documented and signed by everyone concerned.

The parties were kind enough to note on the feedback forms that they appreciated my services and were entirely happy with the outcome.

As I left the session and walked to my car, I was tired but jubilant!  I get such a buzz knowing I have brought about a peaceful resolution to a seemingly intractable problem.  Now I am ready for a bigger challenge.

The Middle East perhaps?