Whether involving two executives or multiple partners, mediation is often used when an event or series of interactions over time occur which create stress or conflict in the working business relationship. It may be the fee formula, the reimbursement structure, handling of a certain client, new business matters previously unanticipated, a change in a business plan, a change in staffing, a personal crisis for one of the professionals or a clash of personalities. It may also be a group of partners or executives with strong conflicting views who need to make workable decisions and at the same time maintain morale and cohesiveness.
Example: A CEO and a CEO of an affiliate do not get along and board meetings have become strained for all members.
Example: One business partner is concerned about the way the other partner is handling growing production needs, and their discussions to date have not been satisfactory for either.
Example: Three business partners own the company and a fourth partner is being considered but the relationship between two of the partners has become strained over the issue and no one is discussing it.
Example: One executive in the company is becoming a liability for the others due to his excessive drinking and a what others believe is an affair with a secretary.
Example: The partnership retreat is coming up and most are not looking forward to it because there are strained working relationships between the executives and the senior managers, or between the partners.
Mediation for executives, partners or for other professionals is typically requested by one of the owners, a financial officer or by one of the management team members who recognizes the negative interactions or potentially corrosive nature of the situation. Mediation in a business setting is a confidential, facilitated process for discussion in which the participants are encouraged to be direct about their views, barriers and possible solutions as well as are encouraged to make decisions appropriate for the situation. Mediation outcomes may include the working through personal differences or styles between business partners or executives who still need to work together for the good of the organization or may be about serious discussion and decisions about policy decisions or may be about making decisions about no longer working together and how to part with fairness and integrity. Many Baltimore Mediation clients also choose mediation for those matters where there may not necessarily be a “dispute” but where there are divergent opinions being expressed or where there is not the opportunity for such expression and the business desires to create a safe venue where such ideas and views can be heard.
Many partners, CFO’s and CEO’s are finding that mediation is not only a cost effective alternative, but is a refreshing and preferred choice. Addressing business conflicts directly improves business morale and productivity. Baltimore Mediation mediators provide a strong neutral presence in a supportive setting where various viewpoints are facilitated and explored. Baltimore Mediation mediators also have in depth training and experience in mediating business and executive disputes as well as backgrounds in legal transactions, human resources, counseling, and business management. See also Workplace disputes.
For those matters which may lead to potential litigation, business partners, owners, or financial, legal or executive officers may contact Baltimore Mediation to arrange for mediation when they want to avoid the economic and psychological costs of potential and actual litigation. Litigation may include all varieties of partnership disputes, all of which have aspects of the claims which are suitable for mediation. Agreements can be partial or total, with present and future terms, as decided by the parties; mediated settlements can be drafted and accompanied by full releases. See also Contract disputes.
Baltimore Mediation also provides some of the highest quality conflict resolution training for business partners, executives and staff in how to handle future conflicts in responsive ways that increases the quality of working relationships, thereby lowering working dissatisfaction and unresolved conflict. See also Customized trainings.