ADR Advocate, Ogochukwu Nweke, left & ADR Consultant, Austin Gamey, right.
ADR Advocate, Ogochukwu Nweke, left & ADR Consultant, Austin Gamey, right.
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ADR practice requires use of right-half of brain

The brain is regarded as one of the most vital organs of the human body. Scientists say that it is the central organ of the human nervous system, and all activities of the human body are coordinated from the brain.

Apart from the physical activities which the brain coordinates, it also performs intangible functions. The brain is divided into two parts, namely; the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere: The left hemisphere relates to logic, and the right hemisphere relates to creativity.

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The impartial Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) practitioner who desires to facilitate an effective and efficient dispute resolution needs to utilise both parts of the brain to aid in the process.

More often than not logic when used creates more challenges in the resolution process. In recent times logic, has been seen to be insufficient in settlement of disputes.

Regarding what is already known, the left side of the brain which deals with logic, looks at everything in black or white, in one angle or two. It deals with facts that have sufficient amount of information to back it up. Logic does not break the rules, it does not bend the rules, it does not look for shortcuts, and it always follows the straight line. Logic does not upset the status quo even when the status quo is not profitable.

On the other hand, the right hemisphere of the brain, which deals with creativity and reasoning takes a third, fourth or fifth angle on issues. This part of the brain is more intuitive, creativeand artistic which aids in seeing the bigger picture. The right side breaks the barriers that the left side cannot overcome, and helps one to think outside the box.

Logic through the years has been absolute but in recent years, concerning mediation, many obstacles have surfaced and posed a challenge to the logical mode of reasoning.

It has been scientifically proven that in most instances more people use only one side of the brain and this is the main challenge bedeviling dispute resolution efforts.

It is advised that both hemispheres of the brain are put to use, combining the right side (creativity) and the left side (logic).

According to ADR expert, Austin Gamey, both hemispheres of the brain must work together to move in a positive direction.

The combination of the two would aid to move resolution beyond familiar boundaries. Separating the two would be devastating.

“In ADR, it is essential that both are used to provide a third eye on issues so that when a complicated dispute comes you would be beyond prepared for it” he advised.

Speaking on the subject with Barrister Ogochukwu Nweke, an ADR advocate and Relationship Consultant, he said, “As a mediator, it is essential that both parts of the brain work together. As a mediator, you can be sure that there would be some challenges and there would be no solution logically, but through creativity, you may see a way.”

By: Fred Gadese-Mensah/adrdaily.com

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ADR Daily is a specialized news portal with a focus on providing authentic news, information and research analysis on Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR), Human Resource Management (HRM) and Industrial Relations Management (IRM) in Ghana and beyond. This platform serves as an information resource base for the progress of the ADR, HRM and IRM industries, and seeks to promote professionalism in ADR practice by supporting a network of ADR professionals within and across nations and continents. ADR Daily keenly encourages the mass adoption of ADR mechanisms, particularly negotiation, mediation and arbitration for the resolution of disputes in all spheres, through the publication of industry news and information, as well as by deploying innovative awareness creation engagements.