The Mediator's Perspective

Wait...I thought mediators don't have opinions? Well, as a mediator, my impartiality in any dispute is the cornerstone of my value to the parties I serve. But, sitting on the mediator's perch for nearly a decade now, across hundreds of different disputes, has brought some important perspective and insight into the origins of so many disputes and how parties can most effectively manage those disagreements on a pathway toward resolution.

The purpose of this blog is to integrate my stories and insights as a mediator with the science behind disagreement and conflict. The goal is to empower all of you -- people in the midst of conflict-- to better manage your own disputes and become more effective conflict resolvers. Throughout these blog posts, I plan to share different anecdotes and experiences, working with parties in conflict, and connect those real-world events back to what the research says on those same topics. It's the intersection of what happens on the street and the pages of academic studies where new insights can emerge to help all of you better manage your next conflict!