Knowing your Rights

Knowing your Rights

In this episode Esther discusses the tension between your right to speak and your right to remain silent.  Sometimes staying silent gives you time to listen, to tame your emotions, and learn new information.  When it's time to speak up, how you do it can make all the difference in whether your message is heard and real communication occurs.

The Snickers Strategy

In this episode Esther shares a short practical strategy for managing difficult emotions.  This strategy, which research has demonstrated is effective, can be very helpful in getting emotions under control in the midst of conflicts and other stressful experiences.  As both a Certified Anger Management Specialist and Credentialed Mediator, Esther recommends giving this simple strategy a try.

5 Signs You Need a Moderator

In this episode Esther identifies 5 high-conflict-prone situations when it can be immensely helpful to involve a skilled, trained mediator in the decision making process; before a full blown conflict evolves. She explains why the structure process of communication can help you navigate conflict prone situations to find productive solutions for a wide variety of issues.

8 Clues to a Conflict Personality

In this episode Esther describes 8 common traits of a person with a Conflict Personality.  These individuals, sometimes referred to as High Conflict Personalities, demonstrate some predictable behavior patterns when they are in a dispute, and understanding them can be the key to finding peaceful resolutions. Esther offers 3 practical strategies for de-escalating conflicts with Conflict Personalities.

4 Benefits of Mediation

In this episode Esther describes 4 major benefits of using mediation to resolve stubborn and/or high stakes conflicts and disputes.  She explains the role of the mediator in the process, and the unique features of mediation that contribute to resolutions with high rates of satisfaction and follow through.