Theodore Arthur Andrews

Mediation is an opportunity to create a resolution that works for you and is within the law.
For the last 5 years I have mediated several hundred cases and have seen how quickly a resolution can come together.
Prior to becoming a mediator I worked in human resources at large companies for over two decades. I saw how problems spiral due to incomplete communication. And the current system has no real answer to this problem.

Here is how it happens.

During a conversation, one person hears maybe half of what the other says and then their internal dialogue fills in the rest. The conversation is over. Both walk away believing they understood and that the other party understands them, except neither does. Their expectations are misaligned. An element of disappointment and frustration has entered their relationship. As time moves forward disaster awaits.

Things get worse. If a power dynamic is in play then one person generally feels that they have to maintain their position and the other maybe afraid of losing their job. Result, communication deteriorates. Nothing gets fixed.

This is why I love mediation.

There is confidential space to unpack these missed opportunities. People can explain what they meant and more importantly why it is important to them. And from this we can create an opportunity for both parties.