- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- dads today articles
- dads today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Mediate ... Me? (Yes, You)
10 Ways to Help People Settle Their Differences
"Worth the Wait," a story in Krivis' book, illustrates this truth. "Margaret, a waitress who was fired after nearly 40 years of service with the same restaurant, was planning to sue the restaurant owner, Sheryl, and the manager, Ted, for age discrimination," Krivis writes. "Margaret had been very emotional throughout the mediation and it took hearing her story before I could realize it would take more than money for her to be satisfied. She said she loved the restaurant and the customers and couldn't understand why Sheryl and Ted hadn't come to her directly to tell her why they were letting her go.
"Sheryl and Ted decided to show how much they truly appreciated Margaret's years of service by naming two awards in her honor, having a celebratory party tribute and giving her a lifetime of free meals at the restaurant and a substantial sum of money. The awards provided Margaret with a connection to the restaurant that would last even after she died. That made her feel important and valued, which is all she had really wanted from day one."