Conflict Management
OvalOptions' portfolio of services assists clients in preventing, managing, and resolving conflict. We strive to match the appropriate service, or services, to our clients' needs.
Why You May Need Conflict Management
Personal
Divorce or Separation
Neighbor Dispute
Senior care/Family dispute
Parent/Teen
Business
Staff tension
Employee retention
Low production
Partnership dispute
Court Referred
Divorce settlement
Estate
Civil
Domestic
When to Call Us
Short answer: The sooner the better, but anytime along the conflict spectrum.
Disagreement
Disagreements are not bad. In fact, they are need for progress, change, adaptation, and problem solving. Commonly looked at as detrimental.
Argument
The outward contention of disagreement. Can be direct or passive. How one argues can manage or escalate the disagreement.
Dispute
Arguing parties have moved away from the original subject of disagreement, which now affects their relationship and possibly others.
Conflict
Dispute takes center stage. Many other areas are affected and the original disagreement seems distant and unrecognized.
Eruption
Escalation has reach its peak and the pressure is released. Violence and other aggressive actions are common.
Mediation
Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution and is a process that allows disputing parties a chance to outline, develop, and produce their own settlement or agreement. A mediator helps parties to communicate, better understand each others' interests, and clarify concerns. The mediator does not develop or dictate solutions; the solutions belong to the parties. Mediation is voluntary, unless ordered by a court. It is usually quicker, cheaper, more interactive, and its results more sustainable. Mediation is confidential.
Learn More About Divorce Mediation
Facilitation
Facilitation can be used to enhance group meetings, or help a group tackle problems, from strategic planning to crisis management. The facilitator(s) provide direction and adherence to agenda, allows multiple voices to be heard, clarifies concerns, captures ideas, encourages thought, and challenges group-think.
Small Businesses
Small businesses have limited resources to manage the complexities of running a business. It is not uncommon that one problem area affects the entire business. Conflict spread and escalation can happen overnight or relatively quietly over time. Our services can hone in on core problems and address them effectively to get your business running smoothly.
Training
Our set of trainings range from "off-the-shelf" to customized to meet our clients needs and requests. Typically, they are 4 hours long, although open enrollment sessions are 2 hours. Focused primarily on conflict, the role it plays, the role you play in conflict, and communication.
Coaching
1-on-1 personal attention that focuses on the individual's communication skills, conflict styles, and other factors. Two hour sessions, with the number of sessions variable. This can be a general approach to conflict management, or deal with specific issues outlined by the client.
Arbitration
Often confused with mediation, arbitration is a type of alternative dispute resolution that has different processes, expectations, and outcomes. The arbitrator hears arguments and studies evidence to give a final and binding decision.
Consulting
A more comprehensive application of our services. May include a combination of mediation, facilitation, coaching, interviews, audit, surveys, and other tools to gauge internal dynamics of client business or organization.
The Pub Dialogues
A public engagement series held at local breweries, brewpubs, and pubs. Gather with strangers to talk about important issues; facilitated by OvalOptions. Free to participate.
FaciliCase
Our database and case-management software. Designed by mediators, developed by IT professionals. Available by subscription to other mediation practitioners and centers.
VentIt
Our conflict management system made available to small businesses. It's 3-tier structure guides complaints through a process to find the most appropriate resolution.
Court ADR Options
Some legal cases are order to mediation by the court. We manage the contract for Jefferson County Mediation Services and apply that experience to other jurisdictions.
Employment Investigations
Employment Investigation addresses personnel issues, such as allegations of discrimination, contested work assignments, bullying, co-worker conflict, sexual and other harassment, and disputes over reviews and promotions.
Co-Mediation
Co-mediation is a type of mediation that involves two or more, experienced mediators. Each mediator will bring their own extensive backgrounds, complementary styles, and skillsets to enhance and improve the quality and outcome of the resolution process.