By: Steve Lagoy
When a small business faces conflicts or disputes with employees, clients, vendors or other businesses, they are often difficult to resolve. Small businesses typically lack the legal, public relations and human resources departments necessary to handle a major conflict. When this occurs, many turn to small business mediation, a type of conflict resolution that can be led by a Malvern mediator at the law offices of Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees in Pennsylvania. Small business mediation allows for a conflict to be resolved quietly, without a lot of PR attention, and it can bring overall satisfaction to both parties involved.
What is small business mediation?
Mediation aims to provide a solution that is pleasing to both sides of the small business’ conflict. It is conducted by a neutral third party, also called a mediator, who discusses the issue at hand with both parties. They will also lead a joint discussion between the 2 parties, with the goal of finding a solution agreeable to both sides.
Mediation is often much quicker and more affordable than filing a claim and taking a conflict to court. Small business mediation can generally be completed in a few hours or days, allowing both sides to return to business as usual. Typical litigation takes time away from the office, while small business mediation can be done in-house. An added benefit to mediation is that it provides a good foundation to work from in the event that issues ever rise again between the conflicting parties.
Small business mediation is a great option for when there is a breakdown in a business relationship, such as with partners, founding executives or board members. It allows them to work through their differences and come up with a solution that makes sense for all involved. It is also useful in situations of leadership succession, dissolution of business relationships or resolving monetary conflicts within the business.
How does small business mediation work?
Typically, small business mediation will begin with the attorney conducting a separate, private meeting with each side of the conflict. In these meetings, the mediator will address any concerns the party has and any suggestions for solutions.
From these discussions, the mediator will be able to create a framework for a joint meeting of the parties. This will allow them to steer the discussion in helpful, solution-based directions that please both sides. This also encourages both parties to be more agreeable in the joint discussion, as they have had their say and input in the overall framework of it.
After the mediation is done, there will often be a settlement or signed, written agreement stipulating the terms and conditions both parties have agreed to.
Who best performs small business mediation?
Mediation conducted with a small business is best done by a licensed mediator who has experience and education in mediation tactics and strategies. These mediators can ensure both parties are happy with the outcome. Therefore, when searching for a mediator, be sure to seek out one with experience in the small business field. This will guarantee your negotiations the best chance at success for you and the conflicting party.
If you are currently experiencing a conflict or dispute at your small company in Malvern, Pennsylvania, consider a mediator to negotiate a solution. Call 610-240-0750 to discuss your case with an experienced mediator at the law offices of Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees today. Their law firm has several trained attorneys that can act as your mediator when you have a dispute within your business.
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