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Twelve Hours of Conflict — Some Seasonal Silliness

Susan M. Yates, December 18th, 2013

Here again is RSI’s seasonal parody of the Twelve Day of Christmas. Enjoy!

For the first hour of conflict, my neutral gave to me a round table with a great view

For the second hour of conflict, my neutral gave to me two succinct summaries

For the third hour of conflict, my neutral gave to me three paraphrases

For the fourth hour of conflict, my neutral gave to me four mirrored feelings

For the fifth hour of conflict, my neutral gave to me five aspirin

For the sixth hour of conflict, my neutral gave to me six tested realities

For the seventh hour of conflict, my neutral gave to me seven caucuses

For the eighth hour of conflict, my neutral gave to me eight explored BATNAs

For the ninth hour of conflict, my neutral gave to me nine fresh perspectives

For the tenth hour of conflict, my neutral gave to me ten brainstorms

For the eleventh hour of conflict, my neutral gave to me eleven cookie breaks

For the twelfth hour of conflict, my neutral gave to me twelve resolved issues

Everyone at Resolution Systems Institute wishes all our friends a wonderful 2014!

Is Getting It in Writing a Universal Best Practice?

Susan M. Yates, August 29th, 2013

The New Jersey Supreme Court recently ruled that agreement terms must be written and signed before the parties leave a mediation in order to be enforced. Experienced mediators are familiar with the push-pull at the end of a long mediation of whether to write up an agreement. On one hand, everyone wants to be done with the mediation and go home. On the other hand, writing enough so that the agreement is clear, and then signing that agreement, can forestall major problems down the line. Now, at least in New Jersey, what should be done is clear: if the terms are not written and signed, it will not be considered an enforceable agreement. (more…)

Benefiting from a Smooth Transition

Susan M. Yates, July 9th, 2013

Those of us in the ADR field know that coming together and coming apart are times that can be fraught with conflict whether these transitions involve individuals, families, corporations or non-profits. We also know that, with the right factors in place, these types of change can be healthy and offer great opportunities for all involved. With that context in mind, I am very pleased to announce that Resolution Systems Institute has spun off as an independent, non-profit organization after 18 years of operation and growth as an affiliate of the Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR) in Chicago. And the transition was remarkably smooth!

The factors that made this change so smooth are similar to those that enflame some deals and ease the way for others. One early, decisive factor: the leadership of RSI and CCR agreed about the core idea of becoming two organizations. (more…)

What Might We Learn from the Post-Mediation Shooting in Phoenix?

Susan M. Yates, February 4th, 2013

Neutrals across the country must have experienced a mutual shudder as we read about a party leaving a Phoenix mediation, lying in wait for the other party and his lawyer to leave, and then shooting them, along with a bystander.

My initial response was from that core, human place. I mourn the loss of life and the injuries. I imagine the fear of those in the immediate area. I wonder if I know, or anyone I know knows, the mediator or any of the participants. My heart goes out to the mediator, Ira Schwartz.

Then I think about how this will play out amid the current debate about the role of guns in our society.

But then I imagine the critical questions this raises for those of us in the ADR field.

  • As neutrals, what are our responsibilities?
  • For those of us involved with court ADR programs, what are our special responsibilities? (more…)
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