Q. How is the book organized?
The are 42 Rules listed in the first eight chapters including The Roles of the Mediator, How To Deal With Difficult Parties, How To Get Started. and How To Close the Deal. Each Rule is explained in detail with practical advice followed by a script that gives some examples of the exact language that could be used for that rule.
Then there are separate chapters like 1. How toTalk Like a Mediator, 2. How to Mediate Online, 3. How to Mediate in the Workplace, and 4. If Mediation Fails, Should You Go to Arbitration?
Q .Who are your potential readers?
That is a good question. In addition to Mediators, there are many professionals who could profit from this book such as lawyers, union negotiators, teachers, realtors, human resources professionals, counselors, coaches, trainers, arbitrators, and online sellers and buyers. The list is endless because everyone has unresolved conflicts. The book also applies to anyone in the workplace, including bosses and employees; parents; and anyone in a relationship, especially spouses and ex-spouses.
Q. What are your qualifications for writing this book?
Almost every position I have ever held concerned conflict resolution. Currently I am working as a Mediator and Labor Arbitrator. I have been an attorney for over 25 years. Lawyers are always dealing with problem solving. I was an in-house Counsel for several universities and counties: Winthrop University, Colorado College, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Manatee County and Monroe County, Florida. I was always advising Department Heads with human resources and labor relations issues. In addition, I was a Law School Professor at Stetson Law School and St. Thomas Law School, where I taught Employment Discrimination and Labor Relations. Then in 1991, I became a Director of Human Resources at Keys Energy Services in Key West. Later I was H.R. Director for Monroe County, City of Hollywood and City of Miami Beach. I was the chief union negotiator and third grievance hearing officer. Then I became a Mediator for online buyers and sellers and a labor Arbitrator. It has come full circle.
Q. What is your educational background?
I started with a BA (from the New School for Social Research) and an MA( from USC) in English. Then I got a law degree (California Western School of Law ) and a Masters of Law degree in Labor Law (George Washington University Law School.) I also have the SPHR (Senior Professional Human Resources) designation from SHRM ( Society for Human Rources Management)
Q. Will you be writing any other books?
I would like to write a series of books. Maybe the next one will be How To Arbitrate Like A Pro or How To Negotiate With Your Dog. ( I have a Boston Terrier named Betty.) I am also working on a book about jobs in retirement: What Do Want To Be When You Retire?
