How to Stop Fighting Step #6 Deal Constructively with Irreconcilable Differences

Option C. Ask someone to help you resolve the problem.

This is often very helpful. But it is good to know what kind of help is available and which approach is better for your situation.

Many people help others resolve conflicts and disputes. These assistants are sometimes called "third parties." (The people in the dispute are the "first" and "second" parties.)

The two most common types of third parties are:

Mediators and Arbitrators

What's the difference?

Mediators:

• Facilitate constructive negotiation;
• Help identify interests, common ground, and possible solutions;
• May help with fact-finding;
• May draft agreements; but
• DO NOT have any decision-making authority.

Arbitrators:

• Listen to both sides' stories;
• Make a decision about right and wrong;
• Determine what the remedy should be, if any.
• Thus, they ARE the decision makers; and
• Most often their decision is final.