How Neutral Evaluations Keep Conflict From Escalating

When matters are sensitive due to the issues or the parties involved, a leader may want to consider bringing in an outside neutral. Anonymous unsubstantiated reports of improper behavior can poison a workplace and damage a career. A trained neutral can interview employees and prepare findings. Sometimes leaders rely on their human resources director to perform this function; however, that person may not be trusted by rank and file employees. In addition, they are not truly neutral.

Neutral evaluations can be effective in preventing conflicts from escalating primarily because they provide a structured and impartial platform for parties to air their grievances. They can also be used when there are numerous reports of improper comments and behavior by one or more people. Here’s how a neutral evaluation can  contribute to de-escalation:

1. Impartiality: Neutral evaluations are conducted by a third-party expert who has no stake in the outcome of the conflict. This impartiality helps in fostering trust among the conflicting parties because they believe the evaluation process will be fair and unbiased.
2. Objective Assessment: The evaluator listens to each individual objectively. This objective assessment can clarify misunderstandings and provide a clear picture of the issues at hand, reducing emotional tension and misinterpretations.
3. Focused Discussion: Neutral evaluations typically involve separate confidential interviews with the relevant individuals. This structured format helps in keeping emotions in check and ensures that discussions remain focused on resolving the core issues rather than devolving into personal attacks or unproductive arguments.
4. Expert Guidance: Evaluators may  provide expert guidance and insights based on their knowledge and experience in similar disputes. This guidance can help parties understand the strengths and weaknesses of their respective positions, facilitating informed decision-making and potentially guiding them towards mutually acceptable solutions. The evaluator will often summarize the issues and make recommendations to the chief executive.
5. Preservation of Relationships: By providing a formal and respectful environment for hearing all viewpoints, neutral evaluations can help preserve relationships in a workplace. Compared to adversarial methods like litigation or unmediated negotiation, neutral evaluations foster constructive dialogue and cooperation, which are crucial for maintaining long-term relationships.
6. Confidentiality: Many neutral evaluation processes offer confidentiality, which encourages parties to be more open and honest about their concerns and interests. This confidentiality can also prevent sensitive information from becoming public knowledge, thereby protecting reputations and privacy.

In summary, neutral evaluations mitigate conflict escalation by promoting fairness, objectivity, focused discussions, expert guidance, relationship preservation, and confidentiality. These elements collectively create an environment where parties are more willing to engage constructively and work towards resolving their differences without further exacerbating tensions. If you’re seeking a professional neutral evaluator in Maryland, Washington, DC or Virginia, call Alternative Resolutions, LLC today.

Ellen F. Kandell is a certified professional mediator and attorney with over 30 years of public and private sector experience. She is one of eight Maryland mediators featured on a statewide demonstration video of good mediation practice. Ellen is certified by the International Mediation Institute.  She provides mediation, group facilitation and training to diverse clients in Washington, DC and the US. Get in touch with her via email, and follow her on LinkedIn, and Twitter.