Scott Silk

Background

About Scott Silk

In law school, I was frustrated by the litigation process. Why was it so complicated, inefficient, and costly? There had to be a better way. I wanted to sit with the stakeholders and figure out a solution together. Such a simple concept! This is how my journey into Alternative Dispute Resolution began. We’ve all experienced uncomfortable interactions with others and have been unable to come to solutions. People caught up in their emotions and unable to listen to other perspectives. People blinded by their assumptions. People show up with firm positions instead of a solution-oriented mindset. Power dynamics interfere with honesty and creativity. And the conversation gets stuck. This is where I come in. Many individuals, organizations and communities need an outside, neutral person to help them resolve a problem, structure and facilitate a dialogue about a challenging topic, or learn effective communication skills. I help people who are navigating differences get “unstuck.” This includes mapping the problem, teaching people how to listen to understand and share their perspectives, and resolving problems collaboratively and efficiently. When members of a community or team change the ways in which they communicate, people and organizations benefit. People feel seen and valued, relationships can be enhanced, and individuals are happier and more productive. Solutions are identified and implemented. It is a beautiful thing to see! Over the last 25 years, I have worked as a mediator, dialogue facilitator, educator, curriculum designer, coach, and trainer. I have mediated workplace, neighborhood, family, landlord/tenant, and restorative justice cases. I have trained others to design and facilitate structured dialogues so people from diverse backgrounds and opinions can engage in civil discourse. I have worked extensively with Palestinian, Israeli, and American teenagers as they strive to understand each other’s perspectives on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. I have facilitated countless discussions with high-schoolers about current events, government, DEI, and history. I also use my dispute resolution strategies with my teenage sons; these are definitely the most challenging assignments! Each situation is unique. I will work with you to design an approach that will help your community move forward. I bring a steady hand, years of experience across a broad set of circumstances, creativity, warmth, and humor to help you navigate the challenge. In the words of Albert Einstein, “In the middle of every difficulty, lies opportunity.”