In anticipation of tomorrow's inauguration of President Obama, it occurs to me to consider the impact this president may have on the conflict resolution industry.
With due acknowledgment to the growing trend toward mediation long before "Obama" became a household name, and with credit given to the many practitioners whose work and dedication have caused this growth, I believe Obama has become a representative of real reform and has adopted a platform that directly speaks to our desire to change.
Obama's inherent qualities — a friendly, comfortable demeanor; a voice that soothes rather than offends; language that speaks of harmony, honor, and respect; a family guy; a knack for being able to speak to everyone while alienating no one; and a huge dose of being able to use the word "we" rather than "I" – make us feel we are all on the team. These qualities lend me to believe that mediation will proliferate during Obama's administration. He speaks of mending problems, of working together — think "Yes we can!" — and when he speaks, we are all ready to hop on the train.
So, as conflict resolution practitioners, what will we see?
Litigation: I really do not see Obama having any influence on tort related claims. The desire to mediate a tort dispute is generally financially driven, and not the result of any desire to heal or transform people. Commercial disputes may see some slight increase in mediation, due to the recognition that fighting does not produce the results we may want or need. Business owners faced with troubled times, bankruptcies, etc., will recognize the value in settling, putting issues to bed and moving forward.
Family issues: These are always contentious and difficult. But we see the Obama family as a stellar example of a life we all would love to have. Perhaps that energy will rub off on all of us and families will work toward resolving issues, recognizing and accepting faults of others and working together rather than giving up.
Employment: Obama's position on labor relations could foster a proliferation of mediator/trainers/facilitators being hired by businesses to create mechanisms within companies to promote good relations between labor and management. And any new legislation will likely incorporate ADR as a resource of first resort for employment disputes.
Community: This is fertile ground. There are many opportunities for antagonism amongst all types of citizens across America. I can see an opportunity for facilitators to train young leaders to become what some have called "community brokers" who can move seamlessly between interest groups, to facilitate reaching agreement on issues that range from neighborhood disputes to land use and zoning matters.
Peacemaking: On a global scale, Obama is unproven. But the exuberance of people around the world for his presidency can only speak to the increase in the use of diplomacy rather than guns. His persona is that of a peacemaker. Whether he will be personally able to broker any resolutions will take some time and experience. But for those in our community who work thanklessly in the trenches around the world, you will have additional respect and credibility because of Obama's presidency.
What effects do you anticipate Obama will have on the ADR industry and/or conflict resolution on a larger scale?
