Running a business can be demanding and stressful. Not only do you have to consider strategies to grow your business and succeed, but you must also handle the day to day tasks associated with running a business.
The daily operations, like managing employees and liaising with clients, or planning work and carrying out tasks yourself, can all get on top of you. Before you know it, pressure builds, our minds become clouded, and tempers inevitably flare.
Perceptions become reality in our mind and we build up our thoughts and assumptions about situations based on the way we see them. As a result, we build layer upon layer of emotions that cloud our judgment.
So it’s important to have healthy conversations often and understand the other and how they are thinking. If not, this is where the friction occurs.
Every now and then, as a result of that build up, conflicts or disputes come to the surface. It’s a part of running a business (albeit an avoidable one) that none of us like that can create an uncomfortable working environment between employees and clients, or even suppliers and business partners.
As leaders, we often assume that if we just continue to lead and do what we do, things will straighten themselves out. Stiff upper lip, just keep moving, and before you know it we’ll be right as rain…right?
Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Sure, you may be able to ignore it and push it back under the surface. Out of sight, out of mind. But sooner or later it will reappear, causing more trouble when it does.
So what can you do when a business dispute arises? What’s the best course of action for all involved? How do you resolve the conflict or dispute so things can get back to normal?
Business Dispute Resolution
Like many things in life, business disputes are part and parcel of running a company. Contracts, agreements, suppliers, business partners…it could be about anything.
But wherever the conflict or dispute may arise, it’s bound to cause frustration, draining you emotionally and draining your business financially. When things really get out of hand, a protracted court case is the last thing you want.
Fortunately, there are ways and means to mitigate or eradicate complications like this. Peaceful resolutions are not just achievable, they can be guaranteed. Using a professional mediator can save time, money and a whole lot of energy that would otherwise be wasted.
What is business mediation?
Simply put, mediation can help you handle and resolve conflicts away from the courts and free of legal complications.
Essentially, mediation is conducted by a third party, someone neutral and trained to specifically handle conflicts in the workplace, who can take an unbiased approach to guide two or more parties to a satisfactory, fair and productive resolution.
It sounds formal, but it doesn’t have to be. Mediation is a holistic process that ensures everyone is heard. A trained mediator can guide the disputing parties through productive dialogue, to ensure an outcome in the best interests of everyone.
The result is a mutually beneficial agreement.
Court battles can be long and adversarial, but mediation is structured and confidential. At its core, mediation works to maintain relationships, building stronger partnerships and sustainable businesses in the process.
Next time, I’ll take a look at the business mediation process and how it can help your business in the short and long term.
In the meantime, if you need any support my door is always open. I help leaders across all sectors, anywhere in the world, so get in touch.