The fundamental characteristic of the relatively unaligned team is wasted energy.
Peter Senge

Workplace disputes come in a variety of forms:

• Disputes between employees
• Disputes between a supervisor and an employee
• Disputes between business partners
• Disputes between a customer and a business

Disputes can take up a lot of energy and severely impact the functioning of the team, organization, or business. Disputes can also have a negative impact on customer relations and the image of the business.

Mediation is a process built on respectful communication practices and is designed to clarify issues, needs and preferred options for the future. The mediator is a trained professional who is an independent, neutral, third party. The mediator facilitates the process so that issues are identified, all participant perspectives are heard and agreements are crafted that are fair, equitable and durable for all parties.

At its best, this approach prevents the breakdown of communication, eliminates costly litigation and provides an opportunity to learn and be more effective in the future. This enables the parties and organization to more forward respectfully and productively. The mediator also takes detailed notes during the process to accurately record agreements and provide a written document for future reference.

Mediation is a process that supports parties moving through important, but emotional issues so that decisions are made and implemented in a respectful manner and lead to clear and mutually agreeable next steps.

How does it work?
The Reid Group uses a four-step approach to help organizations manage workplace disputes:

Step 1: Enable the parties resolve the issues between themselves
After participating in conflict management workshops, the parties identify their key issues and work together toward a successful resolution of the issues.

Step 2: Provide coaching services to one party to the dispute.
The mediator works with the party individually in a coaching capacity to help them prepare for a session with the other party.

Step 3: Provide coaching services to the other party to the dispute.
The mediator works with the party individually in a coaching capacity to help them prepare for a session with other party.

Step 4: Mediation
The Reid Group facilitates a mediation process to help both parties reach as much of a mutual resolution of issues as possible toward a win-win outcome. This agreement would be summarized in writing to clarify the final resolution of issues.

What are the rates?
The Reid Group rates are reasonable and tailored to your particular situation. For more information on the process and rates, call 206-432-3565 or e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .