Preparedness for all potential developments is the best defense to a breakdown in discussions

In an ideal mediation all participants sit together in one room and listen respectfully to the interests and needs of the opposing sides. There is empathic communication and a willingness to reach a resolution.

After reading a great piece by author and emotional intelligence guru Travis Bradberry, titled How Successful Pe​ople Quash Stress, it occurred to me that, generally, advice articles can be placed into ‘DO’ and ‘DO NOT’ categories. Applying these categories, Bradberry’s takeaways could be summarized in the following way:

Mediation presents an opportunity for disputing parties to engage in purposeful dialogue that can effect change. Changes in opinion, understanding and perspective can have a groundbreaking impact on the mediation process and the outcome of negotiations. Below, I discuss three mediation game changers and their potential impact on effecting change.

Let’s face it, few people approach the mediation table with unbridled glee. If you’re a party at a mediation session, it often means you’ve suffered in some way – be it financially, emotionally or physically.

One of the most interesting parts of my job as a mediator is the opportunity to connect with an endlessly diverse clientele - it’s also one of the most challenging.

One day a couple of weeks ago, I conducted a 7-hour mediation, zipped into my office for an hour, and then picked up my son from home before driving through the snow to his hockey game.

As the global market continues to expand and consumer options multiply, businesses can no longer rely on an exceptional product to succeed – they also need an exceptional reputation. We are living in a reputation economy.

Confidentiality is a hallmark of private mediation

A recent decision of Mr. Justice Ed Morgan, of the Ontario Superior Court, has garnered as much attention for the way in which it was handled as the substance of the dispute itself.

In this age of text messaging, same-day purchase delivery, and worldwide real-time news coverage, we have the privilege of getting what we want in an instant, whether it’s information or a best-selling book.

You're seeking a mediator to resolve a dispute. What qualities do you look for?

A recent decision of a Florida appellate court presents a valuable cautionary tale regarding the importance and scope of confidentiality provisions that form part of a negotiated settlement agreement.

Not surprisingly, in this age of terminal multi-tasking and digital overload people are getting distracted and interrupted at work.