Sometimes people wonder just when they should consider business mediation. The time is right whenever the parties (and, where it applies, their advisors, including attorneys) feel the time is right. Mediation can assist business owners, include families, address difficult issues related to succession planning, business structure, or business operations. After a dispute has arisen, mediation […]
Yale University, its unions, and conflict resolution
The New Haven Register reported today that Yale University and its unionized workers were able to reach agreement on a contract without going on strike — for the first time since 1988! No strike, no arbitration, no formal mediation. I don’t often write about labor issues, but an interview today on WPNR shed some interesting […]
Positive Conflict
Most reactions to the word “conflict” are bad. People assume it is expensive, emotionally damaging, and time-consuming. Negative conflict is exactly that. Yet conflict is inevitable as long as we are human. We have different experiences, perspectives, values, needs, and resources. Disputes can arise over any number of issues. In fact, positive conflict is essential. […]
Business Mediation on issue of damages — Part II
Last time, I wrote about an Associated Press story on Forbes.com on October 14, 2008 about a federal judge’s appointment of a mediator to work with parties to reach a settlement on damages in a bankruptcy case. Asarco, LLC seeks more than $10 billion in damages against Americas Mining Corporation. The judge has already ruled […]
Business Mediation on issue of damages — Part I
Forbes.com ran an Associated Press story on October 14, 2008 about a federal judge’s appointment of a mediator to work with parties to reach a settlement on damages in a bankruptcy case. Asarco, LLC seeks more than $10 billion in damages against Americas Mining Corporation. The judge has already ruled on liability and now wants […]
City hiring mediator for personnel issues
The West Central (MN) Tribune reported last week that the Spicer city attorney had explained that the city council was hiring a mediator to help address internal personnel issues. The city’s two-person personnel committee will hire the mediator, who will help the city address personnel issues and process. The city attorney, Barry Darval, zeroed in […]
Benefits of consumer-business mediation — Part II
Last time I discussed the benefits for customer satisfaction that mediation can provide in consumer-business disputes. Another benefit to businesses (and, ultimately, to consumers when business costs are kept in check) is that mediation is cost-effective. Instead of a prolonged battle that consumes the time and money of both sides, mediation can be both faster […]
Benefits of consumer-business mediation — Part I
Mediations between businesses and consumers are on the rise. A prime reason is customer satisfaction. Every business strives to satisfy its customers, for many reasons. It’s easier to retain a customer than to find a new one. It’s easier to expand the business relationship with a current customer than to elevate a brand-new one to […]
Interview on Fairfield County’s 1440WSTC/1350WNLK
On May 21, 2008, I had the pleasure of meeting of Jim Malski and Mike Raub of “Talking Business .. Taking Action” (Jim and Mike) and “Fairfield County Business Showcase” (Mike), airing on News Talk 1400WSTC/1350 WNLK. I had a brief interview with Jim, who asked for a concise tip about business conflicts. I suggested […]
Not-for-profit Organizations
Not-for-profit organizations can face many of the conflicts that for-profit businesses do, as well as unique challenges that can arise from their structure, purpose, difficulties in measuring outcomes, and funding restrictions. Mediation, facilitation, and consulting assistance can help meet these challenges. Any organization, whether it sells products or services, or serves an important community need, […]
