Although conflict coaching and mediation are two distinct processes, I believe that they are guided by a shared set of values.

Preferred Approach to Conflict Management

Foremost for me is the belief that these alternative dispute resolution processes, conflict coaching and mediation, are a preferred approach to conflict management and resolution. Is it always an appropriate choice? Of course not. Parties and their particular circumstances are unique. Is it easy? Most likely not. Conflict is a universally difficult human experience. However, these modalities are best suited to uncovering the underlying interests and needs. Parties retain the power to decide; they are creators of their future, leading to more satisfactory and durable results.

Creating a Safe Space

Key to navigating conflict, I believe, is for parties to feel safe.  The safety to face that conflict, to openly and honestly express what they want and need, and to feel that they are heard and respected. Protecting the confidentiality of the process is essential to that safety. Additionally, in the interest of fostering that feeling of safety, I come to each case ready to meet parties where they are. I bring no assumptions, except to know that I don’t know. I invite parties to share their story without judgement. Active listening, empathy and authenticity are essential to my ability to create that safe space. Clients’ feedback has time and time again confirmed that I was able to do that for them, enabling them to have conversations that had till then been impossible.

Facilitator not Decider

In my role as mediator and as a coach, I strive to ensure that parties are able to engage in a process that is confidential, voluntary, and supports their right to self-determination. And although my relationship to disputing parties in mediation, and an individual client in coaching are different, I am always a facilitator and not the decider—ever respectful of the power of the parties to decide. To support that decision making, I help disentangle, and organize an often-overwhelming number of issues, and support the exploration of the conflict through multiple lenses. Thus, making the overwhelming become manageable, and allowing parties to see their path forward with a fuller and deeper understanding.