Mediation
Mediation – Creating Lasting and Workable Solutions
Conflicts that remain unresolved put a strain on relationships, teams and entire organisations. Mediation provides a safe space in which the parties to a conflict can express their views, needs and expectations – facilitated by an impartial, neutral third party. The aim is to develop solutions that are sustainable and workable for everyone involved, so that cooperation can resume.
What Our Mediation Sessions Are About
As mediators, we focus on working with the parties involved to develop various approaches to resolution, without assigning blame. We guide the process in a structured manner, maintaining a balance between the different perspectives and ensuring that every voice is heard. This leads to agreements that are not based on winners and losers, but on shared interests and a genuine win-win situation.
Over the past few years, we have facilitated mediations in a wide variety of settings – with individual staff members, managers and entire teams – to resolve tensions and restore working relationships.
Prerequisites for Mediation
Mediation is meaningful and effective when all parties involved meet certain basic conditions:
These conditions create the psychological safety necessary for genuine understanding and sustainable solutions to emerge.
- Participation is voluntary.
- The parties to the conflict are prepared to communicate respectfully and fairly.
- There is an openness to different solutions; the outcome is not predetermined.
- The scope of the conflict can be narrowed down so that it becomes manageable.
- Confidentiality is guaranteed and respected by all parties.
- Relevant factual information is presented transparently in order to clarify the situation appropriately.
Process – Two Phases for Clarification and Resolution
Our mediation processes generally follow two steps:
Phase 1
Understanding Needs
The initial focus is on re-establishing contact between the parties to the conflict. The specific point of contention takes a back seat; the focus is on the concerns and needs underlying the positions and attitudes. We help to bring these needs to the fore and ensure they are heard by both sides – as a basis for understanding rather than further escalation.
Phase 2
Developing Solutions
In the second phase, we focus on possible solutions that take into account the key needs of everyone involved. The focus shifts from what divides us to what unites us: common goals, shared responsibility, and reliable agreements. As mediators, we facilitate the process, structure the steps and ensure that all parties are involved on an equal footing. The outcome is agreements that are supported by everyone and can be put into practice in day-to-day working life.
Communication as the Key
Conflicts are not a dead end. Often, it is not so much the solution that is lacking as the right framework in which those involved can speak, listen and truly understand one another. Open, respectful communication makes it possible to uncover misunderstandings, articulate emotions and discover common ground.
Early and clear discussions can prevent escalations and rebuild trust. Mediation supports this process by providing structure, offering neutral guidance and empowering those involved to formulate their own solutions – as unique as the conflict itself and the people working through it.
I consulted Katja because I wanted to feel more confident in my leadership role. She helped me to reflect on my actions and thoughts so that I could build more confidence in myself. I got to know her as very focused, trustworthy, attentive and knowledgeable, but also as a very good listener and communicator. A session with Katja is like playing tennis with my own thoughts. Over time, she has helped me to better understand my actions and equipped me with many powerful tools to deal with daily situations, problems and conflicts. My work with Katja is meaningful, insightful and brings forth multiple perspectives that help me grow as a confident and inclusive person and leader.
Mario F.,Management 3rd level - Mercedes-Benz Group AG
It was a great enrichment for me to get to know Ms. Pleterski during a mediation.She is very human, likeable, trustworthy and empathetic.Ms. Pleterski is a good listener and analyzer.I immediately had the feeling that she is very good at putting herself in other people's shoes and was amazed at how quickly she grasps problems and hits the nail on the head.I can recommend Ms. Pleterski at any time and wish her all the best both professionally and privately and continued success.
Sabine H., employee - Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Katja Pleterski is a great person who has been a great support in my first leadership role in job sharing.In addition to supporting me in organizing the collaboration and the distribution of tasks at eye level in the tandem, she addressed my core values and trigger points and showed me ways to lead myself.She was very empathetic and professional.She always focused on my well-being and my needs.If I got stuck at any point, she actively supported me in finding solutions. I can recommend Katja Pleterski to anyone who is looking for professional and helpful coaching.
Serpil S., Management 4th level - Netze BW GmbH
The coaching with Ms. Pleterski is very helpful. She can quickly understand my situation and offers good strategies for conflict resolution.She imparts her knowledge in a trusting and pleasant atmosphere and likes to create images so that I remember what I have learned particularly well.Her expertise on my personal development as a manager is worth its weight in gold.
Marion S., Management 4th level - CHT Germany GmbH
