Listening: The Current Challenge

Masks. Zoom. Social distancing. 

Listening.

All seasoned and successful negotiators will testify that listening to their side, the “other” side, and to a neutral third party are all crucial for a successful resolution of a dispute. Covid has made this skill more difficult. 

Recently, I watched by video conference as a frustrated party was expressing their issues and anxiety while their lawyer was walking around the room.

Even when we do “live” mediations now, many are wearing masks, making hearing more difficult. The challenges of paying attention and listening are clearly compounded. Even in the best of times, I found people were unable to hear or listen in a way that would help resolution. Now it seems commonplace. 

So, simple advice but effective results: Slow down. Listen. Consider what everyone is saying and make sure you show that you are listening by paying attention and by being considerate.  The results will show.