Conflict Navigators

A conflict navigator is someone who helps a larger number of persons to recognise the core of the conflict and to restore abilities to communicate. Conflict navigation draws on the approaches of mediation and coaching – usually less structured than mediation, more conflict-oriented than coaching, and usually involving groups.

Mediation is a structured process in which two or more parties in a conflict are supported by an impartial third party in realising their best interest, in constructively working through the causes of their conflict, and in finding a future modus vivendi. The mediator assumes responsibility for the fairness of the process, whereas the concerned parties themselves remain in charge of the outcome. Mediation rests on the conviction that everyone involved is competent and autonomous enough to find a way to work through or even solve the conflict. A self-determined solution reached on this basis is preferable to one dictated by a third party because it leaves less conflict subject matter ”on the table” and serves as a more stable base for a common future.

Often underlying the whistleblowing syndrome is a breakdown in internal risk communication. The internal risk communication will therefore need improvement. In addition, external whistleblowing, whether threatened, imminent, or in process, escalates deficient communication and will be perceived as conflict. Furthermore the phenomenon is involved that is called on Asian cultures ”loss of face.”

In a whistleblowing situation personnel conflicts often escalate quickly, which can play havoc with departments or entire organisations. A mentality of ”The horse has been stolen, so why lock the barn door?” takes hold and talking stops altogether. Court action seems the only recourse. In most of these cases we would still urgently recommend seeking support from a mediator or conflict navigator in order to restore the internal abilities to communicate and settle conflicts. Those involved often underestimate the consequential damage, i.e. the related personal and material costs. At this site you find answers why it can pay to take advantage of conflict navigation services.

Björn Rohde-Liebenau has been active in this field for more than fifteen years. Licensed as a mediator by the BMWA (German Association of Mediation in Business and Labour), he holds a European Masters degree in mediation from the IUKB, Sion. In addition to general business mediation he has special expertise in mediation in the international and intercultural field as well as in online mediation.