Mediation

When colleagues are in dispute, it can often feel as if the whole world is against them. Nobody wants to listen to the problem; everybody is taking the other person’s side and the only way out must be through a formal complaints’ procedure.

Our mediators are experts at listening. We will typically spend a day with the disputants, allowing each of them to have long periods of uninterrupted time, where they are able to articulate the issues as they see them, without challenge or judgement. Later, we will move on to a joint meeting where issues are aired and, crucially, listened to, before being discussed in a safe, respectful environment. As the day progresses, common ground is identified, insurmountable obstacles melt away and positive outcomes are achieved. Successful mediations will usually end with a confidential, signed agreement between the parties, that will lay out the future pathway for their relationship.

Far too many workplace disputes end with formal complaints or grievances. These cause long term damage to relationships and reduce the likelihood of future resolutions.

Mediation provides an alternative, more compassionate solution to the problem that will allow the individuals to come up with their own ideas, find their own answers and implement their own plans. Successful mediation results in long-term, sustainable working relationships, happier members of the team and happier line-managers.