Dispute Resolution

Some people just don’t get along—it’s inevitable. With all the difference in personalities of the people all across the world, it’s no wonder we find people whose interests and values differ from us.

It would be a bland and boring world if there were no differences, no conflicts and no disputes.

Disputes in themselves are not good or bad. They are neutral. It is how we handle them that can turn them into destructive events which result in lost productivity, lost opportunities and a loss of profits. If constructively handled disputes can be opportunities for growth and change.

Disputes need to be resolved early, constructively and cost effectively.

It has been said by many that if one only has a hammer one will treat every problem as a nail, whereas if one has a full set of tools one can choose the most appropriate tool for the problem. Each dispute is individual in its subject matter and in the people involved. The challenge is to choose the most appropriate process for each dispute.

Too many people assume, because they have attempted to settle cases, that they understand dispute resolution. They presume that they are practicing the cooperative approach when in fact they have been using a compromising approach. The object of the cooperative approach is to attain a resolution as far towards the win/ win point as possible, leaving no options or benefits unused.

Sterlings have planned, managed and participated in many disputes, and not all involved with the building industry. If you have a dispute looming, we can assist you to resolve it early, constructively and cost effectively.