Managing Conflict Through Mediation

Mediation is a highly effective way of managing and resolving conflict.

Conflict is found within organisations at all levels and in many situations. The cost to the organisation and to the individuals concerned, and those around them, can be considerable. Whether it be a dispute between partners /senior executives/owners of the business; problems in teams; difficult relationships between individuals; the challenge of managing performance; problematical negotiations over exit packages or a change of role or status of an individual; formal disciplinary procedures; dealing with a complaint from a client, or a host of other possible scenarios.

Mediation, which we believe should be a voluntary process, offers a number of benefits over a “non – resolution” approach where things are allowed to fester and get worse, with painful consequences - people stop talking and fail to work effectively and people leave (often the wrong ones). Litigation is the traditional way of dealing with disputes, but it is expensive in terms of time, energy and money, and acrimonious. Relationships are lost through litigation.

The advantages of mediation include:-

• speed
• cost
• the opportunity to (re)build relationships
• the chance for each individual to have their say and to be heard in a safe environment so that the issues can be properly explored and understood by all concerned
• looks forward to find solutions rather than seeks to apportion blame
• an informal process
• a confidential setting
• a neutral third party (the mediator) facilitating the process and helping those concerned find a mutually satisfactory resolution together

Mediation is not a soft option, but it does produce results that alternative methods of dispute resolution don’t.

Sherwood offers a mediation approach that is tailored to meet the needs of those concerned and the particular circumstances. Sometimes issues can be resolved during the course of a one day session, but it may be preferable in other circumstances to have a series of shorter sessions.

We have experience of working to resolve conflict within organisations of all sizes and in a variety of situations, for example where there was conflict between support staff in a City law firm; between senior managers in a barristers chambers; between a member of staff and their line manager in a not –for –profit organisation and in dealing with a client complaint for a law firm. For further information about

For further information about how Sherwood can help you manage conflict within your organisation please contact Lise Seager