Thursday, June 30, 2011

How (and Why) Mediation Works

An anecdotal gem from Los Angeles mediator, Victoria Pynchon:

“We’re leaving,” counsel shouted, gesturing that his client should follow...

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I responded in the low, slow, patient tone of voice you use with over-excited children and frightened animals.

“And why do you think that?” he snarled.

“Because the first thing your client said to me was that failure here today was not an option. He’s broke. He’s nearing retirement. He’s beaten. He can’t sleep at night. He needs me to get the best deal possible and then he desperately needs to take a vacation.”

The client, who hadn’t moved a muscle since this exchange began heaved an audible sigh of relief and said to me “thank you so much. I’ve been saying that for two years and no one has ever acknowledged it before.”

- Garry J. Wise, Toronto
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