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Philip
Crump, (505)
989-8558 • philip at pcmediate.com Since 1992, serving Santa Fe, Taos, Las Vegas,
Albuquerque, Ratón, Silver City, Farmington...all of New Mexico! |
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17
years of helping people be their best, even when they feel their worst... “I wish we had come to see you two years
ago...” “Thank you for everything you did.
We were able to [finalize our divorce] without going to court and without
lawyers.”
WHAT IS MEDIATION? Mediation is a way for people to make their own
creative and fair decisions together regarding their disputed issues. People
who want cost-effective and low-impact forms of decision-making can
use the assistance of a neutral mediator, who has no stake in the outcome of
those decisions. Unlike
arbitration or litigation, mediating parties have all the decision-making power. There is no third party (judge or
arbitrator) telling anybody what to do. If you want
to make your own important and mutually acceptable decisions that are good
for all of you, AND you are willing to do what it takes, then read
on.... (If you want a stranger making important
decisions that impact your life, or if you prefer the battlefield to the
peace table, then this may not be the way for you....) I want to help
you be your best—at a time when that may seem difficult or impossible. The mediator
helps each person express perspectives
and needs in ways that others may
hear and understand. When people really understand what each other's
issues or needs are, they usually are more able to respond positively to
those needs. Mediators help
people distinguish their positions (what they want) from
their needs and interests (why they want them). I am strongly committed to creating safe spaces in which
people problem-solve
together to make effective mutual decisions. Facilitation
is similar; because it usually involves groups, though it may not be
confidential in the same way. I provide mediation, facilitation and training for a broad range of
issues, such as divorce,
child custody, work relationships, disability, special education,
construction and other areas where
creative problem-solving has been difficult. Mediation and Facilitation
can provide broader satisfaction including: WHAT MEDIATION IS NOT: Although mediation often takes place around issues that may have legal
implications, the decisions themselves are best made by the participants.
Courts have recognized this and often urge people to mediate rather than rely
on the capriciousness of a overworked judge dealing with a crowded court
docket. A major advantage to mediation is that it allows
participants to share their personal feelings, experiences, expectations, and
hopes—privately and in constructive ways. This is not therapy; while
individual psychological features shape human action, mediation focuses on behavior
and its immediate motivations and impacts. The ultimate goal of most therapy is mental and
emotional health and happiness. The ultimate goal of most mediation and
facilitation is mutual decision-making that results in effective interaction.
Why Mediation works: §
You remain in control—in a confidential, informal and flexible
process that moves at your pace §
You get more of what you need—resolution on your terms of the
important issues, big and small §
Mediation is more affordable—and often faster than other ways of
settling disputes and making decisions §
Mediation is positive—“win-win” means focusing on getting
everyone’s needs met, with mutual respect §
Mediation inspires creativity—you become free to explore more options,
collaboratively, and with safety §
Mediation encourages hope—end “blame
games”--open the door to many previously unseen possibilities §
Mediation is goal-oriented—towards your own fair, complete and
durable resolution of the issues
WHAT IS MY APPROACH? I do not practice
“muscle” mediation;
I do not tell parties what they should
do or force them to accept a particular decision or outcome. Clarifying
questions help reduce the misunderstanding so often a part of conflicts. I
can help brainstorm possible approaches to resolution. Cooperative problem
solving replaces personal assumptions. I do have a responsibility to help
people “reality test” proposals for resolution they may bring forward,
including the consequences for not accepting a less-than-perfect outcome. MEDIATOR VALUES ·
Act compassionately—because
each person has needs to be acknowledged ·
Demonstrate patience
and flexibility—because it may
take longer than planned ·
Remain nonjudgmental—because
my opinion will only interfere with their resolution ·
Exemplify objectivity
& neutrality—I will advocate
for everyone at the table ·
Model respect and trust—because each person adds value
to the discussion ·
Encourage mutuality
& optimism—because creativity occurs
when people work together ·
Show empathy &
acceptance—I can understand and
accept others’ experience ·
Practice detachment and
harmlessness—because my job is to
keep everyone safe You can read about
mediation and my work at Santa Fe New Mexican article about mediation and hear a radio
interview with me about workplace mediation at PEACE TALKS: MEDIATION IN THE WORKPLACE. An additional article
(from the Journal
North)
describes many of the advantages of mediation. My commitment ♦ So that they experience relief, renewed personal
strength, and increased capacity to work together comfortably ♦ Thereby best serving themselves and those they
influence.
The mediation
begins with signing the Agreement to Mediate. It sets
out the conditions and characteristics of mediation, some basic ground rules
for discussion, and the mediator's fee. In the session, each person has
opportunity to speak and to be heard, until the issues and perspectives are clear.
The mediator facilitates the discussion and negotiation until the parties
reach agreement. My critical question for you is— The typical
outcome of mediation is a Memorandum of Agreement, which describes in
writing the terms of settlement reached through mediation. For informal
disputes, this is usually sufficient. For some legal matters, this document
goes to the attorneys for review, revision and inclusion with the case
documents. I am
experienced with both public and private facilitation—land-use and planning
decisions, as well as strategic planning for boards and businesses and
partnering on construction projects. I am proud to be a part of the New Mexico First facilitation team. The City of
Albuquerque Land Use Facilitation Program provides a safe place for
neighbors and applicants for planning changes to come together and hash out
their concerns prior to formal hearing. I have been an active member of that
land-use program since its beginning in 1998.
Appreciative
Inquiry
is an approach to organization development—how people work together
effectively—that focuses on “what works” rather than what does not. Remember
“Seek and ye shall find?” Well, if you look for problems, sure enough you
will find them. Instead, looking for positive activities, strategies,
approaches and attitudes helps individuals and groups learn how to strengthen
what they may already know. For group
workplace disputes, a process referred to as “intervention” uses both
mediation and facilitation techniques to help people talk safely and openly
about the issues of concern and create new group understanding and agreements
about how to make the work situation better for everyone. Many of the
organizations listed in my resume have asked me
to help them become more effective using this approach.
* See a lot more at
Facilitation, Planning & Group
Processes Links to
Professional Organizations: |
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Contact Information: |
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I support
the Santa Fe Alliance—locally-owned independent businesses, organizations
and community members dedicated to building a healthy local economy. www.SantaFeAlliance.com |
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of the Page ................Last update: September 22, 2009