About our Model

 

In the understanding-based approach, the conflict professional seeks to work directly with the parties to support them on their path to conflict resolution. While fostering an environment of mutual respect, we strive to help both parties make informed decisions in unison.

Our model is based not on the belief that the parties lack the desire or the ability to go through conflict together. Still, that perception frequently poses the most significant obstacle. We believe that when properly motivated and given the needed support, the capacity of those in conflict to work together through their situation of conflict can flourish.

We developed the understanding-based model to support people working through their conflict together. While developing this approach, we felt we weren’t inventing something new but uncovering what was innately there.

Six Underlying Concepts

At the heart of the understanding-based approach is our commitment to the following concepts:

The Loop of Understanding

Listening to understand, which we call looping, is a four-step process that mediators and parties can use to bring understanding to challenging conversations.

The Other Chair: The Understanding-Based Model with Gary Friedman

The Other Chair: Conflict is Inevitable, Combat is Optional with Ivan Alter

The Other Chair: High Conflict – Why We Get Trapped with Guest Amanda Ripley

Who Takes Our Training Programs?