The word impasse has a particular meaning when it applies to alternative dispute resolution. The Collins English Dictionary defines the impasse noun by describing a situation, particularly, “If people are in a difficult position in which it is impossible to make any progress, you can refer to the situation as an impasse.” While the meaning …
Communication is an important part of any workplace or group setting, and a key component of reaching agreements. When communication is healthy, a workplace or group can be productive and reach its objective. When communication breaks down, other aspects of the workplace begin to fall apart as well. In some cases, communication breaks down as …
Mediation is a dynamic process. This can mean stepping back, leaning out, and adopting a process that empowers the parties to set their own agenda and seek outcomes that may greatly vary from the objectives set forth in the briefs by lawyers who are trained as advocates more than problem-solvers. In disputes where distributive bargaining …
Understanding how men move through divorce emotional stages can be helpful, whether you are going through the divorce or supporting someone. Divorce is a shocking and emotional time for all parties involved, spouses, children, and other family members. Several factors can affect how a person moves through and copes with divorce, including their role in …
When two parties have gotten wrapped up in a dispute and one party would like to resolve the situation without litigation, but the other is resistant, it may be beneficial to try using case evaluation. Case evaluation will often reevaluate the stubborn party’s position and help wrap up the case in a way that can …
By Jeffrey Krivis The Central Valley of California, known for its good weather and rich soil, is considered the breadbasket of the country. The many people who live in this agricultural community work hard. They know that the literal fruits of their labors feed people, and they are proud of their role in society. …
By Scott C. Van Soye “Blessed are the peacemakers.” We value peacemakers. We may even aspire to be among them. But often we have no firm conception of what it means to “make peace.” Does it mean to cause the cessation of conflict, by whatever means? Or does it refer only to non-violent efforts to …
By Doug Noll I use the term peacemaking to describe the values and processes involved in transforming difficult and intractable conflicts. Peacemaking encompasses mediation; however, mediation, especially mediation of litigated disputes, does not necessarily include peacemaking. Knowing the difference is useful because it can influence the processes and interventions used by mediators. Ten Principles of …
By Scott Van Soye “Our General Counsel is the only guy at IBM with an unlimited budget… and he always exceeds it.” “Of course, general counsel recognize that all businesses, including law firms, must make a profit but, given the pressures they currently face, getting “the most bang for the buck” is an imperative.” Which …
By Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq. Hostile mail – especially email – has become much more common over the past decade. Most of this mail is just “venting,” and has little real significance. However, when people are involved in a formal conflict (a divorce, a workplace grievance, a homeowners’ association complaint, etc.) there may be more …