- March 30, 2017
- 11:16 am
- Andrew Keyt
- no comments
Tools for Overcoming Conflict: An Interview with Debra Horberg
Debra Horberg spoke at our most recent conference, Deconstructing Conflict in the Family Business, and we recently sat down with her for an interview. We talked to her about some of her challenges as a family business mediator, advice on navigating conflict within the family, and ways to mediate conflict within the family business. Read below to hear what Debra told us!
Debra W. Horberg
Mediator and Collaborative Attorney
Debra is an attorney working exclusively with clients to prevent, manage and resolve conflict in their family businesses, estate/probate matters and divorce. Debra brings her experience as an attorney and business owner—independently and in a family owned business—to her practice. In Mediation and Collaborative Process, Debra persists in supporting the client’s vigorous pursuit of their own interests, and clients succeed in creating durable agreements that respect the relationships that are most important to them, professionally and personally.
In addition to serving as an Adjunct Professor of Law at The John Marshall Law School from 2013-2015, Debra frequently speaks on the topics of Mediation, Collaborative Process and Conflict, and coaches mediation trainings, teaching the skills she values and uses effectively with clients.
What has been your greatest challenge as a family business leader?
As a mediator, it is challenging to see the frustration and disappointment of family business owners who seek out mediation to address conflict when other parties refuse to participate in the process, because mediation can be highly successful and saves time and resources.
What is the most important thing you have learned when it comes to navigating conflict?
The trust and rapport the mediator establishes with family business owners is key to assisting them to uncover their real needs and interests in resolving conflict. This creates forward motion and energizes parties to work productively together and with the mediator to navigate conflict and reach agreement.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing family businesses can do to prevent conflict?
Family businesses that encourage communication to build trust and disclosure among members can be highly successful in preventing conflict. As a mediator, I ask questions that prompt family members and other participants to create the programs, policies and procedures that help reduce conflict over time.
What is the one piece of advice that you would give a family that is trying to mediate conflict?
Recognizing and addressing conflict directly is a proactive and effective first step to preventing, managing and resolving it. Some families can deal with conflict successfully on their own. Mediation is also a preferred first step in dealing with conflict because the process is voluntary and confidential, and parties make their own decisions. In addition, mediators foster a respectful and safe environment that increases the potential for resolution, while preserving important relationships.
Thank you for speaking with us, Debra! To keep up with our blog posts, like our Facebook Page!