Organizational Mediation
& dispute resolution

Tensions in the workplace can diminish productivity, damage morale and lead to staff turnover. We work with organizations, businesses, municipal boards and educational institutions to conduct a needs assessment and provide a range of dispute resolution interventions. As neutral third-parties, we are able to speak confidentiality with each party and help them explore solutions that meet their needs and the needs of the organization. Organizational Dispute Resolution is helpful in cases such as:

“I appreciated the chance to air grievances and then move beyond them to start working together. ”
— Participant in Organizational Dispute Resolution

  • Conflict between a supervisor and supervisee(s)

  • Disputes within teams or boards

  • Tension among colleagues

  • Issues between board members and staff

Based on the needs assessment, we recommend a range of interventions that are best suited for the particular situation. This can include conflict coaching, one-one mediation or group mediation, facilitated group conversations, or group norm-setting.

Common issues involved in Organizational Dispute Resolution include:

“We should have done this at least 6 months earlier! ”
— Participant in Organizational Dispute Resolution

  • Communication styles

  • Performance feedback

  • Integration of new team or board members

  • Expectations about appropriate behavior

  • Cultural differences

Organizational Dispute Resolution Team

Featured
Phillip Glenn
Phillip Glenn

Phillip is a Professor of Communication Studies at Emerson College, Boston, USA. He developed and teaches courses in Conflict and Negotiation, Positive Communication, and Mediation, Facilitation, and Dialogue. In his scholarly research he examines communication patterns in conversations, meetings, and interviews. He was a Visiting Scholar at the Harvard Program on Negotiation and has held Fulbright appointments in the Czech Republic and the Republic of Moldova. He is a mediator and coach for Metropolitan Mediation Services in Brookline.

Seth Izen
Seth Izen

Seth is Executive Director of MetroWest Mediation Services. He has been active in community mediation in Massachusetts since 2008, completing a practicum with the Cambridge Dispute Settlement Center, mediating on the district court panel of the Middlesex Law Center in Lowell, and serving as the Peer Mediation Coordinator at North Shore Community Mediation Center. Seth completed his Basic Mediation Training at Brown University where he earned a B.A. in Political Science. He earned an M.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies at University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he also taught a graduate-level course on Mediation: Theory and Practice.

Eric Greene
Eric Greene

Eric is Manager of Mediation Services at MetroWest Mediation. He received his MA in Conflict Resolution & Near Eastern Studies from the Heller School for Social Policy at Brandeis University. He has mediated small claims and summary process cases in courts throughout Greater Boston. Eric has 7+ years experience as a youth educator and has developed conflict resolution training for several institutions in Greater Boston. Eric is the instructor of the Advanced Mediation Course at Brandeis University.

Li Morrison
Li Morrison

Li is the Housing Mediation Coordinator at MetroWest Mediation Services, which provides mediation to landlords and tenants in eviction cases. Li leads the MassHousing Tenant Assistance Program for MetroWest Mediation, which provides conflict resolution services, group facilitations, and skills workshops to tenants and management at local facilities. Li is also trained in divorce, summary process, and permanency mediations. Li earned a BS in Electrical Engineering, a MS in statistics, and a JD. She is a licensed member in the California bar association.

“[In response to a 3-month follow-up:] Things are great. We accepted and added to the norms and are meeting in person, with respectful dialogue. Your work was so helpful!”
— Participant in Organizational Dispute Resolution

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

We're happy to answer any of your questions and discuss our organizational dispute resolution services. During our initial conversation, we will gather information about your situation and whether we might be able to assist.

“Problems are not created by a single person, nor are they solved by a single person. Direct expression of one’s feelings, not blaming/shaming, is the way to go.”
— Participant in Organizational Dispute Resolution

TESTIMONIALS

New Blog

“I would strongly recommend mediation to others in dispute.  This process was extremely helpful and professional.”

“Outstanding professionalism. The mediator was very smart, neutral and very helpful. Because of the mediator we were able to avoid litigation and arrive at an agreement. Highly recommend.”

“Our mediator was very kind, professional and on point. A great help! Much more civilized than the courtroom.”

“Our mediator was exceptional in her ability to keep both parties calm and on course with the process.”

“We had many moving pieces, they kept track and helped us get through it all. They made an emotional, hard, complex process relatively easy. Thank you.”