I have worked in HR for thirty years with experience ranging from large corporate organisations to small family businesses. I have been a mediator for more than ten years both in neighbourhood and workplace settings and am passionate about alternative ways to resolve conflict. Following my training as both a Mediator and a Conflict Coach I have adopted many of the underlying principles and philosophies of the CAOS method of Conflict Coaching into my daily life. If mediation was offered earlier in a situation where relationships and communication begin to breakdown it could avoid the unnecessary stress that both the employee and the organisation experience, not to mention the time and money!I never cease to be amazed at what can be resolved informally through mediation and I urge people to offer it as soon as possible, rather than waiting until things have got out of control. Why wait for a grievance which could end in a lengthy disciplinary or even at a Tribunal. It surely must be worth a try!Mediation can of course also be used and highly effective with friends and family in dispute. It's not just for the workplace or community issues. Conflict Coaching is of help when either someone is not ready for mediation or there is a conflict but only 1 person will engage with trying to find a resolution. The process supports people in finding a way forward and regaining control of their life.It's a process which provides an opportunity for those in conflict, be it with a work colleague, family member, friend, or even within themselves, to explore their situation and ways in which they can move forward whilst remaining in control of their decisions. Conflict Coaching can be of benefit to the person who feels 'stuck'.