Self-employed in a third-generation family business for over 34 years, I have learned many skills in dealing with people and issues that arise. My father taught me how to respect everyone, no matter their means or background and this has stood to me well both in life and in business. Good mediation or negotiation must value the interests of all parties involved and ask the right questions. I am curious and intuitive by nature and I am a good listener with a strong sense of justice and fairness. Working in a family business I gained many useful understandings of the challenges that they face, in both business and family. Open communication, respect and a high-level awareness are some of the critical skills to the survival of business today.
As in all relationships, good channels, and methods of communication, together with an open mind are essential. If you show a willingness to understand others perspectives, it can have transformative results.
It is my strong belief that the process of mediation should be the first call in dispute resolution. It considers the true needs of the parties, while addressing relationships, what brought you to mediation, working towards a resolution that is mutually beneficial, and building the relationships into the future where needed. It is less traumatic than other methods of dispute resolution, self-determined and more cost effective.
The power is with you, the parties to determine your outcome.
I am ready for the challenge, are you?