RESOLVING WORKPLACE DISPUTES USING MEDIATION

Robin N. Amadei
Common Ground Mediation Center
303-604-1960

The tension around this office is so thick you can cut it with a knife.  Elizabeth and Alex are constantly bickering at each other and it's affecting everyone in the work group!

Does this situation sound familiar?  For this situation and other interpersonal problems in the workplace mediation might be the answer.  In mediation, a neutral third party, the mediator, empowers parties to confidentially air and resolve disputes in a mutually satisfactory manner.  The mediator invites parties to share how they see the situation, what each party's needs and concerns are and what the issues are that need to be resolved.  Then each party is asked to create solutions that meet both party's needs.  The object of mediation is to come up with a win/win solution that is mutually acceptable. 

The mediator's job is to make sure that each party is has the opportunity to present his/her point of view and to appropriately vent emotions, that communication between the parties is respectful, that everyone has an understanding of the issues that need to be resolved and that the parties have the opportunity to determine whether and how agreements are reached.  Mediations are informal, private, cost-effective, cooperative and personally empowering.  Often through mediation, parties discover new ways to communicate with one another, they can begin to rebuild trust and a positive working relationship can be re-established.

The next time you are involved in a dispute or observe a conflict in your workplace, THINK MEDIATION.