Third-Party Interventions

Brainstorm Some types of situations in which third- party help may be appropriate Some benefits and advantages of using competent third-parties

Continuum of Interventions Justice system Arbitration Quasi-judicial bodies Organization development Mediation Mediation Counseling/therapy Counseling/therapy Coaching, facilitation Coaching, facilitation Informal conversations

Some Considerations re Informal Interventions Do they want help? From you? Are you reasonably competent & willing? Clarify any changes from your usual role Stay neutral and objective Be constantly aware to avoid coalitions Make use of the same tools we considered for conflicts in which you are a party

Helpful skills for a third party 1. Integrity 2. (Effective) Inquiry 3. Listening 4. Summarizing 5. Framing 6. Feedback 7. Assertiveness 8. Confidence 9. Objectivity 10. Sensitivity 11. Empathy 12. Able to give “unconditional positive regard” 13. Courage

Exercise on 3 rd -party skills Rate your present status on these skills –E = excellent –G = good, I can improve –M = OK, but needs more development –D = definitely needs more development

Helpful skills for a third party 1. Integrity 2. (Effective) Inquiry 3. Listening 4. Summarizing 5. Framing 6. Feedback 7. Assertiveness 8. Confidence 9. Objectivity 10. Sensitivity 11. Empathy 12. Able to give “unconditional positive regard” 13. Courage

Exercise on 3 rd -party skills Rate your present status on these skills –E = excellent –G = good, I can improve –N = OK, but needs more development –D = definitely needs more development Identify two of these skills you particularly would like to develop further For each, write at least three specific things you can do to improve this skill

Exercise re 3rd-party experiences In small groups, take turns discussing some times you effectively helped others in conflict –What were some helpful factors? Next, take turns discussing some times when you tried to help but it backfired (276) –What were some contributing factors? What did you learn from these experiences?

Continuum of Interventions Justice system Arbitration Quasi-judicial bodies Organization development Mediation Mediation Counseling/therapy Counseling/therapy Coaching, facilitation Coaching, facilitation Informal conversations

Somewhat informal processes Coaching or counseling can help an individual who is unable or unwilling to meet with the other party (parties) Coaching or counseling can help prepare an individual for a meeting Facilitation during the meeting is important Coaching/counseling between subsequent meetings is key

Continuum of Interventions Justice system Arbitration Quasi-judicial bodies Organization development Mediation Mediation Counseling/therapy Counseling/therapy Coaching, facilitation Coaching, facilitation Informal conversations

Mediation Both parties need to agree to the process Mediator controls the process Parties decide the outcome Sometimes “shuttle diplomacy” is needed Often, a meeting with structure: –Facilitate effective communication –Interrupt destructive moves –Inquire, clarify, summarize –Offer ideas and suggestions for consideration

Some advantages to mediation Helps the parties satisfy their interests, rather than fight over positions Solutions are more likely to be integrative Parties are more likely to act on and live up to agreements Relative to arbitration or adjudication: –Less expensive –Less damaging to relationship –Parties are more satisfied with the process

Some limitations to mediation Requires considerable commitment to working on the conflict Parties may be unable or unwilling to work through the conflict with the “other” Power inbalances, emotional weakness, and/or abuse may make one party unable to engage effectively Many small disputes may be best handled in other ways

The key to effective mediation is the competence of the mediator and the motivation of the parties