How to Resolve Disputes

Disputes can arise in even the best professional relationships, whether the parties involved are employer and employee, colleagues, or health care provider and patient or client. Determining how best to address disputes requires consideration of various factors. The general information that follows lists several options. Keep in mind that no one option will work in all situations.

Note, too, that third-party involvement isn't always required or most effective. Depending on the situation, however, an examination of all of your options may balance in favor of discussing the dispute with legal counsel and/or a trusted colleague, employer, family member, or friend.

Examine the Situation

If you believe that a dispute may give rise to legal or ethical considerations and you are thinking about involving a third party, consider whether you know or can obtain all the facts. For example, key information relative to your analysis may lie in documents that are protected by privacy laws or may only be uncovered by contacting individuals with firsthand knowledge. Knowing all of the facts will impact how you proceed and how others respond.