Men And Women Are Cut From The Same Cloth In Communications — Research Finds Similarity In Communication Patterns
Steve Mehta 09/07/2009
It is no secret that men and women communicate differently. Hundreds of books have been written on the difference between the genders in communicating. New research, however, shows that men and women may be similar in aspects of communicating.

Effective Interpersonal Communication
Alan Sharland 09/07/2009
The author sets out principles for establishing effective interpersonal communication in relationships and organizations.

The NYPD & The Three C’s: Communication, Community & Cricket
Jeff Thompson 08/23/2009
Often when I speak about conflict and dispute resolution I mention three words that I consider to be my mantra in regards to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Communication, Understanding and Peace are what I strive to create in all my interactions, be it as a mediator, conflict coach, consultant, or as a police officer in the New York City Police Department.

Communications Theory And Conflict Spirals
Arnold W. Zeman 06/08/2009
One of the trenchant observations made by Bush and Folger in the transformative practice literature is how much mediation theory has relied on the negotiation paradigm to conceptualize itself. In place of this paradigm, Bush and Folger offer communications theory and relational ideology as the framework for thinking about conflict and mediated conversations to deal with it.

President Barack Obama's Effective Communication
Alan Sharland 02/16/2009
Well, President Obama is now making his mark on the world by speaking on the various issues that he will have to deal with over the next 4 years of his presidency. Already it is clear that he uses language that promotes effective communication and conflict resolution, and while I'm sure he is not an avid reader of this site and the Principles espoused on it, his means of communicating reflects many of the Principles that this site describes and the practice of mediation it draws its inspiration from.

Preparation And Communication
Phyllis Pollack 02/19/2008
         In November 2006, I wrote a blog entitled “Preparing For Mediation.” Its essence was that in order for a mediation to be successful (i.e. resolve the dispute), each party must prepare for the mediation. Otherwise, the mediation will end in frustration and disappointment.               I visit this topic again because it bears emphasis. If each party to the dispute is not apprised of at least the major strengths and weaknesses of her case prior to attending the mediation (i.e....

On Becoming a Rationally Irrational Negotiator/Mediator: The 'Messy' Human Brain and the 'Myth of Rationality' - Part 1 of 5: The Irrationality of Being Too Rational
Robert Benjamin 11/17/2009
While professionals like to think of themselves as rational actors; they seldom are. Often, in fact, they are 'irrationally rational." Neuroscientists and cognitive psychologists have discovered strong evidence tthat the functioning of the human brain is 'messy' affair and all of us are prone to being predictably irrational in our decision making. This throws into serious question the basic rationalist assumptions that underpin current negotiation and mediation practice, theory and training. If reason and emotion are inseparable in our thinking, and what is viewed as rational or irrational behavior is inevitably blurred, then distinctions hamper effective and creative practice. Practitioners might do well to consider how to become 'rationally irrational.'

The Why’s Have It: Teaching Curiosity For Effective Negotiation And Mediation
Diane J. Levin 11/16/2009
What makes Deepak Malhotra’s and Max H. Bazerman’s 2007 Negotiation Genius: How to Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Brilliant Results at the Bargaining Table and Beyond so highly readable are the memorable anecdotes of real-world negotiations it contains. Among my favorites is one that concerns a colleague of the authors, a “negotiation genius” identified by his first name only, “Chris”.

Exhilaration And Disappointment
Alec Wisner 11/16/2009
How much better it would be if participants in mediation would stop being advocates wedded to their own positions and, instead, were able to honestly analyze their opponents' case and figure out what it will take to move their position.

Don’t Be So Square
Jerome F. Weiss 11/16/2009
I recently saw my friend Lisa. She helps individuals and institutions to focus on communication, both within the institution and its workers, and how those individuals and companies interface with the outside world. I find the work fascinating, even if a bit vague, since it relates to something I focus on every day in mediation: the importance of clear communication as the foundation for better understanding and resolution of disputes.

Good Job Ari!
Jeff Thompson 11/09/2009
Honorable Mention was awarded to Ari Fontecchio of the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law for his essay entitled “Naming, Framing and Taming: Why Timing and Emotional Intelligence Really Matter in Crisis Intervention. Ari interviewed me months ago on how I, along with the entire NYPD Community Affairs Bureau, used various conflict resolution skills during the emotionallly charged Tibetan Protests in New York City during the Spring of 2008.

Conflict Resolution Strategies For Everyday Use
Steve Mehta 11/09/2009
As a mediator, it is my job to be right in the middle of conflict. Indeed, often as a mediator, we have to listen to things that the other side may not be willing to listen and then communicate that message to the other side in a way that does not turn off the other side yet communicates the message. It makes me think that conflict is a normal part of life. We all have conflict, and many people are afraid of conflict. Rather than thinking that conflict is a bad thing, perhaps we can consider using it as a good thing: An opportunity to communicate and clarify in a relationship. As such, I have put together some suggestions when a conflict starts. Hopefully, you will find them interesting.

Mediation Advocacy: The Power Of The Story
Victoria Pynchon 11/09/2009

The Power Of An Apology
Phyllis Pollack 11/09/2009
In my various mediation training classes, we have discussed the pros and cons of an apology; whether it should be given and if so, under what circumstances.

What is NVC Mediation? A Powerful Model for Healing and Reconciling Conflict
Ike Lasater, Julie Stiles 11/09/2009
Taking on the practice of NVC mediation means to constantly hone and expand the capacity to contribute to the reconciliation and healing of conflict. In this article, I’ll explain the basic premise and process of NVC mediation and where it came from, then go into detail on a number of characteristics of this form that I find make it a particularly potent model.