The strap line for Abune is “from here to there” which captures the momentum of moving beyond a dispute, from a bad to a better place. This involves some simple, effective steps.
I ask people questions that get those involved to think again about the assumptions they’ve made and take account of factors they may have been disregarding. These might, for example, be issues facing their organisation, changes in the market, internal processes and structures. In other words, I get them to review the wider context in which they’re working.
I encourage them to think about scenarios and outcomes: if this, then that? What would the implications of those outcomes be for them, their teams and the wider organisation? What options do they have and what are their priorities, personal as well as professional?
And I encourage them to come to their own conclusions. Most people are perfectly capable of making the “right” decision once they have been walked through this process.
When mediating my role is:
Facilitate discussions that those involved in the dispute have been avoiding.
Explore what can be done to resolve matters.
Help identify areas of agreement and constructively address areas of disagreement, which often turn out to be much less marked than expected.
Coach a negotiated settlement, which in 70-75% of cases leads to resolution.
When investigating my role is:
Review all available evidence and supporting documentation.
Interview those involved.
Test allegations against available evidence for consistency and completeness.
Arrive at a measured conclusion, identifying areas of doubt or evidential weakness.
Document the above in an independent report to the sponsor.
I have conducted investigations which were in the public domain or involved a regulatory body.
Most of my work is referred by law firms and Chief People Officers.