Three Decades of Experience and Expertise
Conflict Resolution Services
I’ve spent my professional life focused on Conflict Analysis, Management, and Resolution.
I will work with you to deconstruct the core causes and structure of your conflict, including the macro and micro factors that are contributing to the problem. Armed with this knowledge, we can formulate a plan for managing the conflict by dealing directly with its source.
#1 School in the U.S. for conflict resolution and mediation
Over 15 years of teaching and training on Conflict Resolution.
Since 2006, I have served as an Adjunct Professor for the School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University.
I have taught courses, as well as led weeklong seminars for students and professionals. I’ve also been part of inter-institutional collaborations.
New Approaches to Old Problems
I include my study of embodiment and somatics in my practice of Conflict Analysis, Management, and Resolution.
Conflict shows up in our bodies. We react viscerally when there is tension in settings. We know it’s happening physically often before even our conscious awareness. And in high-stress situations, our fight-or-flight response gets triggered.
I stay attuned to how clients in conflict situations are holding their bodies, what’s likely happening below the surface, and help embed practices to diffuse difficult situations.
Over 225 workplace disputes mediated
I’ve worked with both private companies and 16 government agencies – both alone and in teams.
I’ve been honored to practice my craft in a variety of settings, and also teach about conflict resolution – both in the U.S. and internationally.
Conflict Resolution is Practical
Some laypeople mistakenly believe that ‘Conflict Resolution’ is simply about emotions and ‘feeling good.
Conflict Resolution entails a scientific process that is at the cornerstone of good decision-making and management.
True Conflict Resolution starts with understanding the underlying cause – which is often different than what we initially presume. We waste time when we try to correct the symptoms of the conflict and miss the underlying issue.
After developing a thorough understanding of the conflict through conflict analysis, we will create a comprehensive response that addresses both the big picture and the fine details, to enable you to move forward and overcome the challenges created by the conflict.
Understand the root cause
Address Conflict Holistically
Some conflicts can be entirely resolved, while others can only be managed.
Knowing the difference is the key to success and will prevent you from wasting energy and resources pursuing unproductive or ineffective solutions.
Coaching clients, company clients, organizations, students, workshop participants and others share kind words.
Clients Say Great Things
Due to the sensitive nature of the type of coaching and other work I do, some names have been redacted.
“I learned so much...Thank you very much for your professional guidance.”
Marla K - Rankin
Human Resource Development, Strategic Advisor for US Marine Corps sharing her experience as a mentee mediator
"What an awesome experience having you as my co-mediator. I learned so much during those hours and can contribute new insight from the experience. You have phenomenal skills and demonstrate neutral approaches that are especially a style that compliments Marine Corps culture. I will always remember your demonstration. I feel strongly that no other style would have such success with our initiator. Thank you for your patience and time. When we concluded, you spent 9 1/2 hours in this process! What a demonstration of commitment. I hope our paths cross in the future and thank you very much for your professional guidance."
“Stephen’s work is high quality, and it is a pleasure to work with him.”
Omar Badawi
Senior Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa Division of the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative
“Stephen gave several conflict analysis and resolution training workshops, and developed a course module on the subject for the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative. The workshops and module addressed cross-cultural conflict, tools for analyzing conflict and preparing for mediation. Stephen’s work is high quality, and it is a pleasure to work with him.”
“Stephen’s expertise in the areas of body awareness, group facilitation and conflict resolution shone through in his very personable and interactive manner of training.”
Megan Johnston
Director of the Northern Virginia Mediation Service
"Stephen led a dynamic training session for Northern Virginia Mediation Service in Fairfax, Virginia. The audience included conflict resolution practitioners from highly diverse backgrounds. Stephen was able to connect with each participant, adapting his techniques constantly to meet the needs of the group as well as those of individuals. Stephen’s expertise in the areas of body awareness, group facilitation and conflict resolution shone through in his very personable and interactive manner of training. I highly recommend Stephen Kotev as a speaker, trainer and consultant."
"Stephen is safe, encouraging, motivational, dynamic and helps you implement sustainable change."
Monica Hudson
EEO Complaints Program Manager, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
"If you aren’t willing to be direct and just want someone to fill in the blanks and tell you what to do – then he’s not for you. You better be willing to work hard. If you do, you will get your money’s worth. Stephen is safe, encouraging, motivational, dynamic and helps you implement sustainable change."
PRACTITIONERS ASK
How Do I Stay Safe?
As someone who has spent decades in the field of Conflict Resolution, the primary advice I had been given about safety was ‘to sit by the door.’ This felt insufficient to me – especially after I read an article about a mediator being fatally harmed after a settlement conference.
In 2014, I initiated and chaired a Taskforce on Safety in ADR through the Association for Conflict Resolution. Susan Yates, Marya Kolman, Judge Stephanie Domitrovich, Corey Schlegel and I along with advisors from the FBI Crisis Negotiation team set forth to address this gap in the field.
What was created is ‘a list of ingredients’ that you can use to customize your own ‘recipe’ tailored to your individual practice.
It tries to account for tendencies and trends collated from Safety and Security professionals and also acknowledges that the mindset of those professionals are often much more pessimistic and can be completely contradictory from how we would approach those same individuals as Conflict Resolvers.
Interested in working with me?
Have a question?
Send me a message, and I’ll get back to you.
