Session 201
Bringing Down Barriers: Using Alternative Dispute Resolution Techniques to Improve Communication
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is not just for lawyers or avoiding painful litigation. At its core, ADR is about establishing mutual respect and building rapport to focus on the real issues rather than have discussions hampered by distractions, emotions, or confusion.
Behind the popular practice is a detailed skillset of communication techniques and processes. These can be used in day-to-day communication to ensure all parties are heard, feel respected, and focus on resolving issues in a mutually beneficial manner. Alliance manages in particular can utilize these techniques to navigate through difficult times with partners while continuing to preserve the business relationship.
No law degree required! Join us to learn or refresh yourself on proven ADR techniques. This on-demand session will discuss:
- Language that promotes cooperation for jointly solving issues.
- Gaining perspective beyond the issue at hand to focus on larger relationship goals.
- Tools to contextualize your requests and evaluate whether your presentation adds or detracts from the conversation.
- Resources and research for further expanding your ADR skillset.
At a subsequent roundtable you will have the opportunity to discuss and practice what you learn. Bring your real-life examples and discuss with fellow alliance managers to better understand how words can impact results.
Speakers:
Benjamin Anderson, CA-AM, J.D., Esquire
Partner Asset & Licensing Program Manager
Thomson Reuters Elite
Ben is the Partner Asset and Licensing Program Manager for the Legal division of Thomson Reuters. His role is dedicated to establishing and maintaining alliances with strategic technology and go-to-market partners that have complex value propositions and partnership structures. With seven years of alliance management experience, his responsibilities include creating executive business cases, negotiating agreements, and implementing partner program infrastructure. The mission of his work is to facilitate transparent, data-based decision making and assist with delivering amazing client experiences through partnering.
Ben is a licensed attorney with extensive alternative dispute resolution training and a deep obsession with technology. When away from his desk, he can typically be found walking his Corgi puppy in Minneapolis.
Susan Cleveland, J.D.
Manager, Global Strategic Alliances
Thomson Reuters Elite
Susan is a Global Strategic Alliances Manager at Thomson Reuters (TR). In her role as Manager, Susan is responsible for all partnerships in the small and mid-size law firm market segments and supports the TR products for those markets. She works with partners to maximize the value of the alliance by monitoring the business, legal and interpersonal portions of the relationship. Susan negotiates contracts between partners and TR to create a framework for the success of the relationship and to protect both parties legally. Over the years she has developed a specialty in cloud hosting arrangements. She is also actively involved in planning the annual Legal user conference and the partner involvement at that event.
Susan has worked in a variety of roles in her dozen years at TR, including editorial enhancements and managing court relationships for Westlaw. Prior to Thomson Reuters, Susan worked extensively in professional theater as Director of Development for both the Minnesota Fringe Festival and History Theatre. She also founded a theater company and worked at Theatre de la Jeune Lune and Northrop Auditorium, among others. She lives in the Twin Cities with her family.