Moderating Mugs

"Afterward, there will be a short Q. and A. that will be just long enough for one person to take up too much of it."

"It's okay to drink in moderation."

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?"

Growl - Hiss Conflict Resolution Meeting

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

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

Dialogue

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

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.'

"Now that's a win."

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

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.'

"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."

'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."

'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!'

"The session isn't quite going to plan."

"I don't think Dawson understands the concept behind the 'Talking Stick.'"

"Have your people call my people."

'It WAS rather unkind of you to hide his bottle-opener, Mrs Jones.'

Mediation Process

"Discussion topic: Is our society becoming less civil and more violent?"