By: Ray Myers, Jr., PMP

Sometimes it is necessary to seek assistance from a third-party to help resolve a dispute.  Here are some common roles that are played by third parties:

Mediator

• Seeks a win-win solution

Facilitator

• Uses procedures and processes guide interactions

Observer

• Offers objective understanding of positions

Arbitrator

• Has authority to decide the settlement of the conflict

Enforcer

• Has power to impose settlement and conditions on the parties

Third-Party Attributes

• Assists parties to work through the issues
• Controls his/her emotions
• Must be neutral
• Is relentless, courageous and strong
• Requires impartiality

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About the Author: Ray Myers, Jr. is a PMP certified project manager with over 2o years experience planning and managing technology projects.   Contact Ray at wwwpmservicesnw.com

Article source: www.pmservicesnw.com

Tags: dispute resolution, Third Party Roles in Dispute Resolution

This entry was posted on September 5, 2010 at 4:24 pm and is filed under Negotiation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.