Third-Party Interventions

1. Third-Party Interventions

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

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

4. 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

5. Helpful skills for a third party • Integrity • (Effective) Inquiry • Listening • Summarizing • Framing • Feedback • Assertiveness • Confidence • Objectivity • Sensitivity • Empathy • Able to give “unconditional positive regard” • Courage

6. Exercise on 3rd-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

7. Helpful skills for a third party • Integrity • (Effective) Inquiry • Listening • Summarizing • Framing • Feedback • Assertiveness • Confidence • Objectivity • Sensitivity • Empathy • Able to give “unconditional positive regard” • Courage

8. Exercise on 3rd-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

9. 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?

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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

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