Moving forward together when things stop running smoothly
A difference of opinion doesn't have to become a conflict. But when communication stalls, trust decreases or a collaboration keeps getting harder, it can be difficult to work things out together.
ZAPB can act as an independent and neutral third party in these situations. We get the conversation going again, make room for both perspectives and look together for a solution that works for everyone involved. That doesn't always have to be a formal mediation process. Sometimes it starts with one good conversation: personal, careful and, where possible, accessible.
Neutral guidance whenever it's needed
Every situation calls for a different approach. That's why we first look at what's going on and which form of guidance fits.
- ✓Conflict mediationWhen an employer and employee, colleagues or other parties have ended up opposite each other, we help get the conversation going again. We give both parties room to share their perspective and explore where the possibilities for a solution lie.
- ✓Guidance for strained working relationshipsNot every difficult situation is immediately a formal conflict. Sometimes the collaboration is simply not what it was. By involving an independent third party in the conversation, there's room to discuss expectations, concerns and interests again.
- ✓Independent conversation facilitationSometimes parties do want to talk to each other, but the conversation doesn't go constructively. ZAPB can act as a neutral facilitator, providing structure, calm and a safe setting so both parties actually get heard.
- ✓Guidance for staffing situationsIn staffing matters, there can be a need for an independent third party who helps discuss a situation carefully, for example when tension has arisen or a collaboration is under pressure. We look together at what's needed: a conversation, coaching, guidance or actual mediation.
- ✓Guidance for a difficult closing chapterSometimes continuing isn't the best solution anymore. Even when a working relationship is heading towards ending, it can be important to have careful and respectful conversations. ZAPB supports this as an independent conversation partner or facilitator.
Sound familiar?
Employers
There's a conflict or tension with an employee and you can't work it out together anymore. An independent third party can help get the conversation going again.
Employees
You're stuck in the collaboration with your employer or colleague and don't know how to move forward. You can come to us for an independent conversation and guidance.
HR & organisations
You need an external, independent party for a difficult staffing situation. We stand alongside HR or management temporarily where needed.
Colleagues & teams
A collaboration within a team has stalled or tensions keep coming back. We help those involved re-open the conversation and make agreements.
We don't take sides
When we're involved in a situation between multiple parties, we find it important to be clear about our role beforehand. We're not there to decide who's right. We're there to listen, make interests visible and explore what's possible. When we work for one party, for example as a coach for an employee, that's a different role than when we guide both parties in a conflict. We keep those roles carefully separate.
First we look at what's needed
Sometimes a situation quickly gets labelled a "conflict", while someone actually mainly needs coaching. That's why we first look at the situation.
Coaching
When someone needs support themselves to gain insight, make choices or handle a situation differently.
Guidance
When a situation needs extra support, for example around a working relationship or staffing issue.
Mediation
When multiple parties are stuck and want to work towards a solution together, under guidance.
Not every situation needs a formal mediation process. Sometimes a well-guided conversation is the first and most important step.
Careful and structured
Introduction & initial assessment
We discuss what's going on and which parties are involved, and check whether our role and approach fit the situation.
Intake
When multiple parties are involved, we speak to those involved separately where needed. That way everyone gets room to share their perspective.
Joint conversation
When it fits, we facilitate the conversation between the parties involved and help clarify the underlying interests and issues.
Agreements & follow-up
When parties reach agreements, we make them concrete. Sometimes that resolves the situation, sometimes further guidance or coaching is needed.
A conversation doesn't always have to happen at the office
Many conversations can take place excellently over video. That makes it possible to bring together, in an accessible way, parties who don't work in the same location. When a conversation is better held in person, that can of course also be discussed.
Is a situation stuck?
You don't need a formal employment conflict before you can ask for help. Tell us what's going on. We listen, think along and discuss, without obligation, which form of support could fit.