Diplomatic Mediator Gifts

'We love having you in the Granny flat, mother, but we must respect each others space.'

Brian wanted to call the presentation "Synergy". Paula wanted to call it "Cooperation". They could never agree.

"Another job well done by your conflict resolution specialist."

'I'm glad you guys could work this out in a reasonable manner.'

"Shall we start with an icebreaker?"

"They're having a fight over how best to handle client conflict."

"When faced with a tricky ethical issue, I always ask the question, 'What's in it for me?'"

"Then we have an unspoken agreement?"

You Are Here - Uncle Sam's Exit Strategy

Growl - Hiss Conflict Resolution Meeting

'You think I'm crazy; I think you're crazy...finally some common ground!'

'We're making progress. I just got a firm 'maybe'.'

'Hey, look, I can stand up and shout, too!'

'Try and be negative in a positive way.'

Dialogue

"O.K., O.K., people - we're not workshopping these, they're already set in stone."

"That's the last time I'm going to allow politics to be discussed in the office."

'The toughest things you have to deal with in this job, is feelings and lawyers.'

Tug of Negotiation and Conciliation.

'Ok, here's the meeting agenda ... it's gonna be a long one.'

'Negotiations have reached an impasse, legal recommends we resort to violence.'

Changing Minds

'How did the 'I want you all to take a pay cut or leave' strategy go down?'

'It's a senior management position. We need someone who can listen politely, and then say no.'

Collective Psyche

'Three weeks of brutal alimony negotiations, Polly, and you settle for a cracker!'

"Tom, I’d like you to meet Chris. Chris is better than you."

"At least we agree to disagree."

'This rift between you and Dr. Voight has become a chasm.'

'You're good with people. Just tell him to go fuck himself.'

"Well, let's quickly put Ken's incredibly incendiary remarks behind us and hopefully continue the discussion in a simmering rage."

"If we can't find the way forward, let's find the way back."

"Helen, I have decided to seek a change of venue, since it has grown increasingly obvious that I can no longer get a fair trial in this household."

'Maybe you should reconsider those place cards, Ms Harris?' (Negotiation talks/Good Guys/Bad Guys)

'Thanks, Brian, for your thoughtful and constructive proposal. Without further ado, we'll now dive into malicious, envy-based criticism, character assassination and petty bickering!'