In her Two Minute Training Tip for November 1, 2011, my colleague, Maria Simpson, Ph.D. looks at the words we use when we communicate. She points out that to be an effective negotiator - one must be careful of the pronouns she uses. "You" in any form - "you", "your" [Read More]
The other day, I found a new online magazine in my e-mail box. It was the very first edition, Vol. 1, No. 1 (October 2011) of ADR Times Perspectives on Dispute Resolution.According to the message from the Editor - Ms. Mikita Weaver - this publication started out as an interactive [Read More]
Routinely, most local rules of court require that persons with the ultimate authority to settle a matter be physically present at a court settlement conference or mediation. While it does not take much thought to understand the rationale behind this requirement, it may take a bit more thought to appreciate [Read More]
Once again, my colleague Linda Bulmash has written a concise article on negotiation. In her September 2011 article entitled "12 Steps for Effective Negotiation" published by the Los Angeles County Bar Association (Vol. IV, No. 8), Ms. Bulmash summarizes a "practical and pragmatic negotiation strategy" put forth by Dennis Ross [Read More]
Predictably, my blog draws on my experience as a mediator. Once again, over the last few weeks, I have conducted more than one mediation where time was not taken prior to the mediation to explain to a party what mediation is all about: its process and what to expect. I [Read More]
Mediations, like everything else in life, come in all shapes, sizes and colors. No two are the same or are ever alike. Usually, though, most of them will follow a similar pattern such that the principles of mediation will be applicable. But, every once in awhile, there is that mediation [Read More]
In searching for a topic for this week, I reviewed my colleague Linda Bulmash’s “Negotiation Tips” published monthly by the Los Angeles County Bar. Her topic for this month is using respect and grace in negotiation. Her point: Civility, respect and grace do much towards reaching an agreement. These words [Read More]
Late last year, I mediated a “family” dispute involving facts that were stranger than fiction. It seems that Jane Jones (fictional name) had a relationship with Joseph Smith (again, a fictional name). They had two children together, although they never married. They, then, went their separate ways. However, Ms. Jones [Read More]
