Face To Face Dynamics Factor Significantly

TransFace to Faceitioning from conflict to resolution involves a lot of give and take, not the least of which is the giving and receiving of information.

Although there are circumstances that practically call for someone’s exclusion from settlement discussions, they are exceptional.  Face to face communicating often can not only provide a cathartic (settlement-enabling) opportunity, it can also be most informative.  

We learn from birth to inform and be informed by gestures, tones and facial expressions.  These are part of the dialogue, and communication in their absence leaves out some of the most vital parts of the exchange.  Itcan be the very cause of a mediation breaking down or failing to get off the ground in the first place.

The importance of settling, finality and avoiding litigation and all of the other potential benefits mediation offers should not be undermined by foregoing or underestimating the investment of personal participation.  Do not, therefore, be easily discouraged or overly pessimistic about the prospects of mediation leading to settlement.

Personal dynamics ought to be given their chance to have an impact at the table.

About Maria Hanna Joseph

Maria Hanna Joseph, principal of Joseph Mediation, is an Attorney-Mediator who is highly regarded for her experience and ability to resolve employment, workplace and organizational disputes. She has served more than 2,000 matters over her 20 years as a mediator and her 29 year employment law career. With care, expedience and economy, Maria helps attorneys and parties achieve settlement in nearly every mediation. Moreover, her pragmatism and perseverance bring about purposeful settlements; products of Maria's insight and creativity, gained by her depth of experience and training. These qualities, along with her demeanor and the trust she engenders, have earned Maria a reputation for being able to manage extremely challenging circumstances and settle a wide variety of cases. Maria is available to provide services in-person or virtually (utilizing teleconference and desk-top videoconference resources) throughout Massachusetts, New England and the U.S.
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