The NE-ACR News summer 2008 issue presents some of the results of a request to readers to answer the question of what defines “success” in mediation and how a case might illustrate that definition. ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) practitioners responded and demonstrated how the idea of “success” may be broader than some might think. In […]
“Success” in mediation – Part I
In the summer 2008 issue of the New England Chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution newsletter, NE-ACR News, the first article presents a sampling of the responses received when the editors asked ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) practitioners to describe their definition of “success” in mediation and a case that illustrates that definition. Mediators approached […]
Saving face
Saving face is an important part of minimizing and resolving conflicts voluntarily. In an arbitration or in litigation, the other party doesn’t have to agree to anything. But in a facilitated negotiation or mediation, both (or all) sides must agree. Creating a way for a party to save face may be crucial to secure that […]
Sixth Speziale ADR Symposium — Part III
One of the interesting panelists at the symposium was Lawrence Mills, a Seattle attorney who is currently the Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution. One topic he discussed was the findings of a task force on mediation quality. Their report named four elements necessary for quality mediation: 1) solid preparation by […]
Sixth Speziale ADR Symposium — Part II
One of the topics discussed by panelists at the symposium was the issue of mediator credentials. Some states have specific standards that an individual must meet before practicing mediation. Other states, including Connecticut, do not. Nationally, the issue has been studied for a number of years and initiatives have risen and fallen. An across-the-board resolution […]
Sixth Speziale ADR Symposium — Part I
On May 16, 2008, the Connecticut Bar Foundation presented the Sixth John A. Speziale ADR Symposium at the Quinnipiac University School of Law. The keynote speaker, Kenneth Feinberg, spoke about his experience as the Special Master of the Federal September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001. Although the process he developed and administered for the […]
Six Styles of Mediation
Hans Boserup, a Danish mediator, has published a book (available in English) called Six Ways in Seven Days. In it he describes what he calls six styles of mediation: generic, settlement-driven, cognitive-systemic, transformative, humanistic, and narrative. You can learn more at his website, www. uk.mediator.dk. Without going into detail about his descriptions of these different […]
“Nobody budgets for mediation and conflict resolution”
“Nobody budgets for mediation and conflict resolution” is a quote from Montana Consensus Council Chairwoman Peggy Trenk, in a recent article, “Plug soon to be pulled on state mediation agency,” by Charles S. Johnson, in the Billings Gazette. The council was created in 1994 “to help groups and agencies resolve conflicts and reach consensus on […]
Toddlers, Neanderthals, and active listening
A recent New York Times article, “Coping With the Caveman in the Crib”, by Tara Pope explored the challenge of communicating with upset toddlers. Pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, known for his book “The Happiest Baby on the Block”, has now written “The Happiest Toddler on the Block.” Explaining his view that toddlers’ brains are at […]
Taking stock
The end of the year presents a natural opportunity to take stock. If all is likely to be well, we’re eager to take stock and celebrate the good news. If we’re not so sure, and can avoid or delay taking a careful look, we may do so. One reason that we may be reluctant to […]
