Master Mediator Bob Creo Visits Mediation with Heart

Pioneer in Field 

Discusses Five Impasse Breaking Techniques

This week, I was very fortunate to interview nationally known mediator, Bob Creo, for one of my webinars for my online course: Mediation with Heart: Web-Based Training for Change Agents. 

I launched the online course in mid-May. This interview was the first one in which I used the expertise of a leader in the field to enhance the learning experience for my students.  It was such a great experience, I plan to record more webinars with leaders in the field. 

The link to the replay of the webinar is here.  Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a master. 

Creo's Background

Bob Creo is a pioneer in the field of dispute resolution having begun his career as a neutral in 1979, long before courts began to adopt court-connected ADR programs. Accordingly, he has several decades of experience as a practicing mediator, arbitrator, and special master.  

He continues to research and teach about the mediation process, how people make decisions, and the neuroscience and psychology behind human behavior.

He serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Duquesne University School of Law.

He graduated from top-ranked Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri.  He graduated, Magna Cum Laude, from Brandeis University with Departmental Honors in History.  

He is listed on the leading national rosters for ADR neutrals, including the American Arbitration Association and CPR. He is also a rostered neutral for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.  

Bob is a co-founder of the International Academy of Mediators, Mediators Beyond Borders, and Master Mediator Institute.
He has served as a neutral in over 2,000 cases. 

For more about Bob's practice, check out his website.

Impasse Breaking Techniques

In the webinar, Bob describes the use of the following impasse breaking techniques:

• The Safety Deposit Box.
• The Blind Mediator Proposal.
• The Use of Outside Experts.
• Multi-party Blind Trust.
• The Pie Chart Tool.

Bob has written on these topics:

The Creo Blind Trust Method, A Technique for Resolving Multi-Defendant Cases, Vol. No. 17, No. 8 Alternatives, CPR International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (Sept. 1999).

Emerging from No Man’s Land To Establish a Bargaining Model, Vol. No. 19, No. 8 Alternatives, CPR International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (Sept. 2001).

A Pie Chart Tool to Resolve Multi-party and Issue Conflicts, Vol. No. 18, No. 5 Alternatives, CPR International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (May 2000).

Again, my thanks to Bob for sharing his expertise. 

Back from Vacation

Celebrating my "Silver Jubilee"

I took three weeks off this summer to travel with two friends for my "silver jubilee" celebration of my 60th birthday.   We drove across the U.S. to the redwood forests of Northern California, then caught up with two alumni in Lake Tahoe, then spent three days in Yosemite.








The trip reinforced many ideas I have.  First, we live in a land of great abundance: cropland, trees, natural beauty, wildlife, energy resources, and people.









Second, money is just a form of energy according to my business coach, Christine Kane. The happiness experts advise to buy experiences and not stuff, if you want to be happier.  So, I tried to circulate as much money as possible on this trip to buy memorable experiences: nicer hotel stays, expensive meals, excellent wine, and a boat ride on Lake Tahoe. I want to thank my friend, Carol, who could not join us, for giving me a very big check that enhanced my ability to spend during this trip.




I did buy a fabulous ring from one of the last turquoise mines in the world, which is located in Tonopah, NV (Queen of the Silver Camps), also the location of a new BLM-sponsored solar power project.

Third, you cannot put three accomplished, smart, independent, opinionated, menopausal women in the same car for three weeks and not expect some conflict.  I'm just glad we love each other enough that our friendships survived the trip!




Fourth, while the simplicity of the western landscapes -- which emphasize mountains, rock outcroppings, desert, and big skies -- are dramatically beautiful, I still prefer the green fields of the mid-west and the lush forests of the East.

















Fifth, I have no regrets about the life I have lived.  If we had driven over the cliff at Yosemite (as we nearly did), I would be proud of my influence on the world and of the life I have tried to live with love and integrity.

Sixth, even at 60 years old, I still have so much to do, say, write, teach, learn, and contribute.  What will the next decade hold for me?