Successfully resolving complex disputes requires a deep understanding of the parties’ core interests and concerns, strategically mapping the landscape of possibilities and constraints, designing an efficient communication process, applying an optimistic and creative problem-solving approach, and resiliently managing human and emotional dynamics inherent to any conflict.

Authenticity is an essential quality in negotiation. When the counterpart perceives that you are being genuine, it drives the negotiation forward and opens doors.

The mark of a truly skilled negotiator is the ability to achieve optimal outcomes while simultaneously enhancing the relationship between the parties.

The essence of a skilled mediator: to learn with humility, to guide with empathy.

Conflict prevention is built on three pillars: (i) identifying root causes; (ii) building trust and strengthening relationships with stakeholders; and (iii) intervening swiftly when disputes arises.

The best focus is on your purpose – to satisfy the need or interest that brought you to the table or lead to the dispute. This can be achieved through a negotiated settlement, an arbitral or court ruling. One should not get stuck with a given dispute resolution process, but rather focus in achieving his or her goals in the most cost-effective way possible, and be opened to shift to whichever process works better, saving financial resources and emotional energy.

In high-stakes or complex situations, such as victims’ compensation stemming from crisis, a financial offer alone is rarely sufficient to secure agreement. It is necessary to apply the principle of ‘procedural justice’, through the design of a process that involve all relevant stakeholders, and ensures parties are heard, emotions are skillfully handled, compensation and eligibility criteria is transparently explained, and that makes parties perceive they participated in building the agreement.