Mediation: Problem Solving across Differences

In organizations, institutions, and teams, harnessing diverse perspectives toward common goals is among the top management challenges. This is an area where mediation—convening people across differences in service of responsible problem-solving—can play a constructive role. Among alternative dispute resolution (ADR) approaches, mediation is distinctive in creating spaces (virtual or physical) where people feel empowered to explore the sources of their differences and envision sustainable solutions. As such, it can be an effective part of a manager's day-to-day organizational development toolkit. In this course, we discuss how to design and lead a mediation process, uncover the roots of conflict, acknowledge the parties' needs, identify workable solutions, and overcome common traps, while ensuring professional and personal ethical standards. Topics covered include creating an inclusive company culture through mediation; designing spaces—physical and virtual—that enable diverse perspectives to be acknowledged and explored; diagnosing and addressing psychological biases that inhibit collaboration; the role of gender and culture in mediating disputes; developing and exercising leadership with a mediation mindset; in-person, online, and hybrid mediation; and the emotional dimensions of mediation.