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Business Mediators Conflicts Management Dispute Settle Listen Find

Id ESLPod_0360_CN
Episode Id ESLPod 360
Episode Title A Management Dispute
Title A Management Dispute
Text

Businesses are often "prone" (likely) to have "conflicts" (arguments and disagreements). Managers try to settle those conflicts "on their own" (without outside help), but if they are unable to do so, they often hire business mediators. These are professionals who are trained and experienced in settling conflicts.

Mediators listen to both parties' "concerns" (worries) and try to help them find a "compromise" (a solution that both parties are comfortable with, even though it isn't what either party wanted originally).

As in this podcast, many conflicts are caused by differences of opinion regarding the direction that a business should take. Mediators are "unbiased" (without an opinion) on these issues, so they are able to listen to each party's "perspective" (point of view) without "judging" (deciding whether something is good or bad) them. This makes it easier for everyone to find a fair compromise.

Mediators are also used when there are "mergers and acquisitions" (when companies buy each other), which often result in conflict between the old staff and the new staff. "Family-owned businesses," where a single family owns and operates a business, often use mediators. In these businesses, the conflicts that "arise" (appear) are based not only on different business philosophies, but also family relationships.

Mediators are also "called in" (asked to come to a place and participate in a situation) by "human resources" (a division that selects and hires employees and tries to keep them happy at work). For example, if there is a conflict between an employee and his or her "supervisor" (the person to whom an employee reports), and if the company cannot settle it internally, it may ask a professional business mediator for guidance.

Topics Business

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