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Just Court ADR

The blog of Resolution Systems Institute

Posts Tagged ‘mediators’

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…)

Clients Choose Mediation Based on Mediator’s Words and Silences

Just Court ADR, February 4th, 2013

Recently, I had the good fortune to attend an outstanding webinar by Professor of Social Interaction Elizabeth Stokoe,  hosted by the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM). Professor Stokoe performs conversation analysis on interactions between mediators and parties. In her presentation, she discussed four common problems mediators may encounter during intake calls with potential clients who are involved in a neighbor-to-neighbor dispute. The problems can lead to the potential client rejecting the opportunity to mediate.

The four core problems that Professor Stokoe discussed are: (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…)

Twelve Hours of Conflict

Susan M. Yates, December 20th, 2012

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

And a round table with a great view

 

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

Two succinct summaries

And a round table with a great view (more…)

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