The beginning of a new year is a time for resolutions, new goals and commitments, and a hope for changing habits or adopting new ones. The beginning of 2013 presents us with new cabinet secretaries and legislators at the national and state level so it is a good time to reflect on leadership. There are…

Agreeing to disagree is a short term strategy for intractable conflict which generally can’t be solved by many of the tools in the mediator’s toolbox. While mediation is one process that can be used, deep understanding of the nature of the parties and the issues is a vital first step. Techniques of nonviolent communication are…

With Thanksgiving upon us this month’s newsletter is about forgiveness. The holiday and the topic share the root verb “give” which means to grant or bestow or to make a present. Whether it be a letting go of feelings of anger or a recognition of thanks, both are growth inducing processes. Best wishes for a…

September is full of transtions. For some back to school and for others back to work or perhaps a new job. If you work on or with teams you’ll find helpful information in this month’s newsletter about group conflict and group think. Alternative Resolutions, LLC helps teams and organizations handle group conflict so that it…

Wise elders in many Native American communities were the first dispute resolution professionals!! While these councils have been part of the fabric of their communities for several centuries, dispute resolution is a relatively new industry. As a profession it is in its infancy. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is an umbrella term for a variety of…

A recent article in the New York Times discussed a Dutch entrepreneur’s idea for a divorce hotel. Couples intending to divorce would check in and a have a marathon sesssion and leave on Sunday with a divorce agreement. When people are in conflict decisions usually take some time. I’m doubtful that this idea will have…