Conflict: An Opportunity to rebuild relationships!
Conflict is often perceived negatively, yet everyone in a healthy relationship, be it couples, family, parents with adult children or business partners and workplace employees, inevitably experiences conflict and disagreement. Misunderstanding, lack of empathy and ignorance can escalate to full-blown disputes, breakups, lost jobs, or diminished profits. Yet, when managed in a respectful and positive way, the conflict can be used as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship and bond between the parties.
There are many occasions when parties find it difficult to talk to each other hindering the possibility of reaching a mutually beneficial compromise. This is where Mediation, a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) plays a crucial role. Mediation involves a neutral mediator facilitating conversation between parties, allowing parties to find a solution to their conflict in a safe, calm, respectful environment. This gives each party an opportunity to relate their story without interruption and help the other party understand their perspectives and needs. This exchange of perspectives might have been overlooked during heated exchanges.
Traditionally, litigation positions one party against another, where a judge or jury decides the fate of the parties; one wins and the other loses. This may result in irreparable damage to relationships. Mediation empowers the parties, with the help of a neutral mediator, to become the architects of their own solution and resolve their differences. This approach increases the chances of a mutually satisfactory outcome while preserving and often strengthening relationships. The parties have another opportunity to continue to move towards stronger, rewarding relationships.
It is important to recognize that the joint agreement (Mediated Settlement Agreement of MSA) created as a result of mediation, is a LEGALLY BINDING DOCUMENT. Violating the terms of the MSA can lead to legal repercussions.
In most conflicts, mediation offers a viable, less adversarial and affordable first step towards dispute resolution. Mediation is both time-efficient and cost-effective. It offers a less stressful alternative to dispute resolution with opportunities for minimal impact on relationships. If the conflict remains unresolved, the next step can always be litigation, an onerous, time-consuming, and expensive choice. At the end of the day, you can use the conflict to your advantage and rebuild your relationships to move on with your life. If both parties agree to mediate, why not give it a try?
