In the daily dialogue with employees, a multitude of different discussion situations arise that the manager or the key figure (multiplier) has to deal with. This workshop raises awareness of these discussion situations and also helps to better resolve possible conflicts. Conducting conversations at work is an important component in order to be able to act successfully. It is necessary to meet the counterpart at eye level and to respond to the interlocutor.

If it is an appraisal interview, the responsibility lies primarily with the supervisor, but the employee also shares some of the responsibility for a successful interview. During such a discussion, both parties enter into a face-to-face dialogue in which it is important to be open, honest and willing to engage with the other person’s perspective.

But conversations with customers and service providers also follow certain standards. A balanced conversation serves to find out which interests, needs or special topics are important for the conversation partner. Active listening is of enormous importance in every conversation. This can be signalled to the conversation partner in several ways, for example through eye contact, nodding or short words. Questions also signal interest, which is positively noticed by the counterpart.

• Conduct more efficient conversations
• Persuade more quickly
• Not letting arguments get out of hand in discussions
• Persuade others in a way that they do not feel persuaded
• Influence others without it being noticeable
• Not to have unproductive conversations
• Learn to listen better
• To improve my own communication behaviour

• Running a business is demanding.
• You need to think about a strategy to maintain and grow your business.
• They have to manage the daily operations and manage staff.
• Do you face customers, sign contracts, offer after-sales services?

But in some cases (fortunately not too often) disputes arise either with a staff member, between staff members, with a customer or a supplier.

What to do in business disputes? How can you act as a leader and protect your company at the same time?

Remember, a good lawyer/advocate will always be at your side. But you may ask yourself:

• What is best for me: go to court or find an alternative dispute resolution procedure?

Let’s see what business mediation can do for you to resolve these conflicts. It could save you money, time and cause much less stress.

• Mediation can help you settle your business dispute out of court.
• Mediation is, at its core, a voluntary process in which a neutral third party – the mediator – guides two or more parties to a dispute through their conflict. The purpose of this semi-formal process is to ensure that the concerns of all parties are heard so that they can develop their own solution in a productive dialogue.
• Retaining the power to control the outcome of the conflict is just one of many advantages mediation has over litigation. It also saves time and money, is less adversarial, confidential and structured to maintain relationships and prevent recurrences.
• The result of mediation is a written, signed agreement in which all parties agree to be the most mutually beneficial solution.

• Mediation is voluntary, so the first step in the process is to get both parties to agree to participate. Once mediation has been chosen as the preferred method of conflict resolution, both parties must jointly decide on a mediator.
• While all mediators have their own style, the basic structure of mediation is uniform.
• Before the first mediation session is arranged, the mediator must be informed, either by asking both sides to prepare a written summary of the situation for review, or by arranging individual meetings with each party to discuss the background.
• Once the details are gathered, a meeting is scheduled at a neutral location . This can be a boardroom, an office or even a virtual meeting room. Before the session begins, the mediator gives an overview of the process so that everyone knows what to expect.
• Then each party and/or its counsel will be given the opportunity to make opening statements.
• Even though the relationship may be strained, the right business mediator will be able to get both parties to communicate with each other and identify common goals to reach an amicable solution.