Alternative Dispute Resolutions or commonly abbreviated as ADR means a process or technique that enables mutual conflict resolutions without legal intervention. Typically, ADR involves neutral evaluation, negotiation, and conciliation.
Mike Gregory, a leading dynamic, energetic, and passionate international speaker in association with us at The Collaboration Effect®. He, provides two essential alternative dispute resolutions techniques, i.e., facilitative and transformative mediation. These techniques have proven to be effective in resolving conflicts without legal interventions.
So, what are these techniques and how so they work? Let’s find out –
Facilitative Mediation
It is a standard approach that acts as the backbone upon which every other mediation technique is built. In this technique, an impartial mediator creates a facilitative ambiance that allows both the conflicting parties to speak up openly about the mutual agreements and the disagreements. The mediator facilitates the parties by connecting and engaging with them and asking open ended questions. In that way the parties begin to consider the issues more broadly, understand interests and work towards a collaborative resolution.
Facilitative mediation is a technique based on the principle of understanding the causes behind the dispute and compromises by each party to resolve the dispute mutually. It is required for both parties to communicate effectively about the issues and their respective goals.
In this approach, Mike as a mediator generally sits with the two conflicting parties in a conference room and asks questions to take the process forward. He and assists each participant to share views in such a manner that the other party understands and can relates to as well.
Transformative Mediation
Transformative mediation is one of the most effective alternative dispute resolutions techniques that focuses on reaching resolution by enhancing the communications of participants. In the case of facilitative mediation, the mediator questions to encourage both the parties towards an outcome that is mutually beneficial. On the other hand, in the transformative mediation approach, the mediator focuses more on the nature of the relationship and transforming it by empowering the parties while working to even out the unhealthy communication styles.
Transformative mediators try to help both sides to see each other’s perspective and to realize each other’s positions and interests better. This further enables both parties to move towards a mutual outcome.
Such an approach is most effective, especially when one party is reluctant to get into the mediation way due to power inconsistency or informational imbalance acknowledged by both parties. In this approach, the mediator observes the parties while they present their issues. Eventually, as the process progresses, the mediator provides feedback based on the communication styles to help balance the negotiation.
If you want to resolve conflicts at your workplace quickly and without any hostility, while maintaining confidentiality, learn more about alternative dispute resolutions with us at The Collaboration Effect® by getting in touch with Mike Gregory. You can also contact him directly at mike@collabeffect.com.
Categories: Collaboration | Conflict Resolution | Disputes
