Negotiate Anything cover image

Negotiate Anything

Jean M. Lawler: How Humor Can Make or Break Your Negotiation

Feb 21, 2025
Jean M. Lawler, an experienced commercial and insurance mediator based in Los Angeles, shares her transition from law to mediation. She discusses the powerful role of humor in negotiations, highlighting how it can ease tension and facilitate communication. Lawler emphasizes the significance of understanding the difference between wants and needs and offers insights on pre-mediation preparation and bracketing strategies to enhance negotiation effectiveness. Her unique perspective on empathy and creativity in resolving disputes adds depth to the conversation.
33:33

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Quick takeaways

  • Effective mediation requires distinguishing between the true needs and wants of parties to achieve realistic resolutions.
  • Emphasizing empathy and creativity during negotiations promotes cooperation and can lead to innovative solutions beyond financial compensation.

Deep dives

The Role of a Mediator

Mediators serve as neutral parties who facilitate communication between conflicting parties to help them reach an agreement. One of the primary responsibilities of a mediator is to identify the true needs and wants of each party involved, as these are often different from what is initially presented. The mediation process typically involves private meetings with each party to establish facts and clarify positions before attempting to reach a settlement. By working towards mutual understanding and cooperation, mediators can help parties move closer to resolution without escalating conflicts through litigation.

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