In the role of responder, you have a responsibility to contribute to successful conflict resolution. Frequently, parties in conflict cannot resolve their dispute alone. In these cases, a mediator may be used. A mediator is a neutral third party who helps resolve a conflict. As a manager, you may be called upon to serve as a mediator between employees. In this case, remember that you should be a mediator, not a judge. Get the employees to resolve the conflict themselves, if possible.

When bringing conflicting employees together, focus on how the conflict is affecting their work. Discuss the issues by addressing specific behavior, not personalities. If the conflict cannot be resolved by mediation, an arbitrator may be used. An arbitrator is a neutral third party who resolves a conflict by making a binding decision. The arbitrator is like a judge whose decision must be followed. Arbitration should be kept to a minimum as it is not a collaborative conflict style.