Mediation, facilitation and change are different, potentially synergistic, professional disciplines.They include diverse, sometimes overlapping, non-adversarial principles, processes and practices.The Client and Practice collaboratively design and implement the client's project and supporting joint engagement. 

The primary focus could be on conflicts, disputes, contentious issues, promising opportunitities or change - or some combination; designed to work with the requirements of a particular client and their situation; regarding one or more of the Key Client and Practice Accountabilities above. This Custom Integrated Design fosters constructive exploration, dialogue, consensus, mutual agreements, settlements and effective action - including capability development and capacity building.

Conflict, disputes, contentious issues, difficult conversations, promising opportunity and celebration are ongoing and integral to everyday life. Typically, some elements of issue, conflict or opportunity management are present and might have been tried with more or less success.

Even high priority issues left to their own devices can become unproductive, disruptive, damaging, costly and, over time, prove to be systemic. Opportunities and options may be overlooked or can evaporate - without attention and nurture. Conflict can also embed or escalate further and possibly require a formal dispute resolution process. 

Conflict, contentious issue or promising opportunity facilitation can be constructive options. Mediation, where appropriate, has proven to be among the most direct and effective processes for parties to use in addressing disputes negotiating issues and implementing their mutual agreements, which require special attention regarding their tracking and durability. Other options may be indicated.

In any event, each party to a conflict, dispute, contentious issue or promising opportunity may have interests in moving from where things are at present for them to a better future for them and for others. What would be the best way to approach this in a particular setting?

Copyright 1999-2011, Frank McLean - last page edit 11.08.3-13:21