Common Challenges
Almost all of us have experienced an unpleasant conflict situation with a neighbor, co-worker, or elsewhere in our personal or professional lives. Often it is very difficult to address the situation or even to be heard.
Sometimes it can also be difficult to simply listen to someone who has a different opinion.
In the mediation process, the parties can share their perspectives with mutual respect and develop a solution together.
Neighborhood conflicts
People have different roots and traditions depending on how they grew up. Conflicts arise when we do not know, do not understand, and sometimes do not want to understand the others. The fact that we do not speak the same language makes it even more difficult to resolve conflicts.
I help bring people from dissimilar cultures with unalike views and different languages together. With professional translators as partners, I can mediate and promote mutual understanding in many languages.
Conflicts in sport
A team should work extremely well together and perform at its best. Any conflict in or around the team can be an obstacle. As an individual athlete, a good relationship with coaches, teammates and family is very important. For impressive results, conflicts must be discussed and resolved.
Nature and Development Conflicts
Mediation can help clarify different interests between developer, politics and nature activists to find a long term solution.
Nature
Our nature is very valuable and must be protected and treated with respect. Restoration, renovation, new construction are often major interventions in nature. To unite all parties as best as possible is in everyone's interest, because there is no second earth.
Development
Development is needed to keep our economy and lifestyle and to be able to accommodate more and more people. In order to find a successful way to develop resourcefully with nature and environmental specialists together, a good communication and collaborative negotiations are needed.
Mediation
To assist projects we can discuss in a positive and constructive manner with representatives of multiple different parties the best course of action. A Mediator can help all parties to speak out their concerns so they can find their own solution.
Who benefits from Mediation?
Mediation can be used for all conflict situations in which the parties involved seek an amicable solution accompanied by an independent professional third party, the mediator. Mediation is also particularly suitable in all cases where the relationship between the parties is to continue and it is therefore of exceptional importance that the parties find a mutually acceptable solution. Last but not least, in cross-border matters with different legal situations, mediation enables the parties to quickly negotiate satisfactory solutions.
Mediation Process
1. Introduction and clarification of the mandate
In a preparatory meeting, the participants get to know the principles of mediation and jointly develop rules about the procedure and the way in which they will interact with each other. This introductory phase forms the basis for cooperative interaction.
2. Collection of information and topics
The parties present their conflict points and concerns. This allows topics and areas of conflict to be collected and structured. In this phase, the aim is to create a state of equality of information.
3. Clarification of interests and needs
The participants are given the opportunity to comprehensively present their perspective on each topic. Now the interests and needs are dealt with in greater depth and an attempt is made to present the conflict situation comprehensively.
4. Development of possible solutions
This is the creative phase. As many ideas as possible are collected and solution variants are developed. The proposals are weighted according to advantages and disadvantages.
5. Agreement and understanding
The parties involved agree on a solution that is satisfactory for all. In most cases, the mediation process is concluded in a written agreement.
Advantages
- Rapid, cost-effective and flexible procedure
- Full self-determination of the parties involved (as far as legally permissible)
- Future-oriented solutions that are satisfactory for both parties
- Relationships between the parties can be preserved (if desired)
- In addition to legal issues, other aspects can also be taken into account
- Confidentiality is maintained, damage to image through publicity can be prevented
- The parties are free to choose their mediator
- High chances of success
Important Points
Confidentiality:
The parties and the mediation person agree to maintain confidentiality about the content of the discussions.
Openness:
Important information should be disclosed.
Self-determination:
The mediation person has no decision-making authority in the matter.
Avoiding insults:
Interruptions, name-calling, etc. are detrimental to the process.
Neutrality of the mediator:
The mediation person shall have no vested interest in the case and shall not favor any party. The mediator agrees not to testify in any litigation and not to represent any party as an advocate.
Voluntariness:
It is possible to terminate the negotiations at any time if one party (including the mediator) no longer sees any point in continuing.
Conflict coaching
Empathy, emotional control and stress are well-known topics in our society. Why should I become more empathetic? How can I learn more about my emotions and become more resilient? What can I do for myself to reduce the pressure and stress to which I am exposed?
These are all important questions that we need to ask ourselves in order to remain functional in today's society.
Thanks to Human Factor training, you will give yourself and your team a great gift, both in your personal environment and in the workplace.