Team Member Conflict Mediation
Cat offers a veterinary mediation service for team member conflict. As an independent mediator, Cat’s role is to assist two or more people to meet in a confidential setting to resolve issues, complaints or conflict in the work relationship. Cat is a skilled mediator with in-house veterinary practice experience that includes managing large and small teams in both general practice and emergency hospital settings.
When team member disputes escalate they often result in a cycle of conflict where parties become unable to work with one another in a productive manner. This can negatively impact the morale, engagement and productivity of the whole clinic. Mediation is the best next step to take to help resolve the conflict, and break any cycles of conflict.
Everyone reacts differently to conflict and most people are uncomfortable with it. Conflict is natural and, if correctly managed, can create a better workplace and business. Cat empowers teams and individuals to facilitate conversations so that team member relationships can thrive. Read the FAQs below for more information about how Cat uses her unique veterinary, legal and mediation skills to help veterinary teams move beyond conflict and towards their common ground of patient care.
FAQs
What is the mediation process?
The process starts with Cat conducting separate pre-mediation intake meetings (PMIMs) with the team members who are experiencing conflict. The PMIM takes place over the phone and provides an opportunity for Cat to hear about the events that triggered the conflict, explain the mediation process, see how parties are feeling, and whether they have started to think about resolution goals and outcomes.
The mediation will take place on Zoom at a date and time that suits all parties. Both team members will be present in the online Zoom mediation, in addition to Cat facilitating as mediator. Cat does not decide who is right or wrong, or formulate any opinion on the matter. Mediation has an excellent success rate and ideally will end with Cat drafting a Heads of Agreement for parties to sign and exchange.
What will happen to my information?
The mediation process is confidential for all parties from the first phone call until the end of the mediation itself. All parties sign a confidentiality agreement promising that what we talk about at mediation can’t be discussed or used in any way outside of the mediation. Whether you reach a resolution or not, things that were discussed at mediation can’t be used as evidence in any other claim or setting. Any written Heads of Agreement and any notes that I take as part of the mediation are also confidential.
Is going to mediation scary?
The mediation is conducted in a manner that is professional yet relaxed and informal. Cat endeavours to ensure that no one feels nervous or scared about the experience from start to finish. Cat’s background as a litigation lawyer ensures that mediation is balanced, objective and facilitative while her personal mediation style is grounded in a compassionate and down to earth approach.
What does it cost?
We offer the following streamlined and cost-effective fee schedule:
$350 per hour for mediation under 3 hours (2 hour minimum commitment).
$900 for 3 hour mediation.
$1,250 for half day mediation (up to 5 hours).
$2,000 for full day mediation (up to 8 hours).
Plus
$250 per hour for pre-mediation intake meetings (30 mins - 1 hour per party)
$250 per hour for work performed outside of mediation e.g. additional reading.
Can you also help with business partnership disputes and client conflict?
Yes, read more about Cat’s tailored veterinary mediation services for client conflict and complaints and partnership disputes.
How can I book or find out more?
Book a free and confidential 15 minute phone consultation using my online calendar or email form here.