Four eyes,
two partners,
one goal

Mediation is a form of conflict resolution in which neutral third parties (mediators) support the parties involved to take responsibility for finding mutually agreeable solutions.

From our many years of experience as psychiatrist and coach on the one hand and lawyer on the other, we know how a dispute can be psychologically and financially stressful and grueling. The legal prospects in court often involve a lot of uncertainty and risk. Therefore, we are convinced to offer a cheaper and more sustainable way with co-mediation.

Co-mediation is better. Because of the four-eyes principle, it is qualitatively more than two times one. It is much faster and more efficient. As a woman and a man, we bring different perspectives to the table. We have complementary training, so we can support the parties with a wealth of experience from our professions.

Co-mediation is mandatory in complex multi-party conflicts. However, it is also worthwhile in two-party conflicts because the two of us can take much more flexible and versatile measures.

Mutual understanding and trust between the co-mediators provide an ideal basis to support the parties in finding a solution.

As a team, we ensure that the big picture is not lost, while details and subtle undertones are not overlooked. Through our joint presence all parties feel heard as well as taken seriously.

«We need to think
outside the box!»

Offering

Business Mediation

Irreconcilable hostilities? Hardened fronts? Fierce emotions between CEOs? Incomprehensible demands by the main supplier? After 20 years of cooperation, the customer no longer wants to buy our products? A split among partners and associates? Does the shareholders’ agreement really have to be enforced by litigation?

Positions are always based on fears and interests. We support involved parties in disclosing such concerns in a confidential setting and addressing emotional issues where necessary. The know-how and knowledge of the parties is used to develop innovative solution options through creative processes. The basis for economic and entrepreneurial approaches is thus multiplied, enabling win-win solutions.

Clear procedural rules protect the business interests of the parties.

«We dare to be more imaginative!»

Mediation in the public sector

Viewpoint of governmental authorities. Pressure from political parties. Experts. Black-and-white thinking. Affected neighbors. Angry citizens. Committees. How is an agreement ever to be found among these polarizing perspectives? Can environmental protection associations be negotiated with at all? Are the extreme positions of parties left and right of center immovable? Historic building protection, homeland security, what do they want?

Co-mediation is the ideal catalyst for putting even the most diverse and conflicting interests on the table. When all parties can participate and be heard, understanding the legitimate interests of all involved is fostered. Depending on the number of parties and the divergence of positions, shuttle mediation may be the initial option, which promises efficient progress in the context of co-mediation.

Don’t forget – even in the public sector, people are involved with interests, needs and emotions. These concerns need to be heard and valued. The co-mediators ensure this.

«Only the wearer knows
where the shoe pinches.»

Mediation in the workplace

The boss does not play by the rules? Everything was better before? Communication broken down? A black sheep in the team? The merger colleagues are not up to snuff? A culture clash after the merger? The new processes only create agitation and problems?

Conflicts are manifold and can have very different root causes. They may coincide with change management processes, structural problems, or lack of mutual appreciation.

The co-mediators, with their diverse backgrounds, understand both supervisors and employees and can help teams develop their own solutions to becoming competitive again as a group.

Mediation for boards of directors and trustees

Deadlock on the Board of Directors? Quarrels among foundation trustees? Stuck and blocked with no way out? Go public or take the backdoor out?  

People with different experiences, various backgrounds and diverse educational qualifications are expected to work together to guide a company or foundation. This is not always easy. Some move faster than others. There are experts and those with life experience. Instead of serving the cause, these differences can also paralyze. The interests of the foundation or the company require that differences be tolerated and resolved internally – we can help with a variety of mediation tools.

«Simply being nice is
not a solution»
«Estate settlement is also
estate planning»

Mediation for estate settlement

Are you planning your estate or are heirs already in the middle of an inheritance dispute? Is it about the model railroad and the dollhouse? Or is the family business at risk? Have the heirs never been able to talk to each other or is this a new development?

How can the family house be divided among four children? Which daughter should take over the business? What needs to be arranged to ensure the family does not break up over the inheritance?

We support you in estate planning as well as in inheritance disputes. We motivate you to openly address issues. We support the involved parties to find and develop solutions together. We help to implement the proposed solutions in an emotionally sustainable and legally binding fashion.

«There are no losers in mediation»

Mediation of neighborhood conflicts

The neighbor’s construction is blocking my view? Why am I no longer allowed to cut the hedge? The neighbor’s fallen fruit has bothered me for years? The children upstairs are trampling on my nerves? An apartment owner refuses access to the roof?

We support you through the structured process of mediation to address interests and jointly develop solution options that everyone can live with.

«We are not a couple;
we are a team!»

Team

Dr. Maya Spillmann

Not afraid of strong emotions and potential depths or abysses of conflict. Moving through life with optimism and composure. For me it is important to address difficulties by asking precise questions to dissolve blind spots and gain new insights.

Medical and psychotherapeutic education and training are the foundation of my work. My many years of practical experience have been enhanced by continuous professional development as well as substantial and extended training in organizational development, coaching, human resource management and mediation.

Rolf Herter

Humor has enormous power. When nothing works anymore, when the going gets difficult, when no solutions are apparent, laughter breathes fresh life into a situation. All the while, I stick to my values and say directly what I think and act accordingly.

The many years of legal practice have brought the experience and insight that court proceedings are seldom profitable from an economic point of view.

On the contrary, in the management of an internationally invested family foundation, in the function as Managing Partner in an internationally oriented business law firm, and through memberships in various boards of directors and foundations, I have learned how important and successful interest based negotiations are.

Fees

Fees

Fees and who will bear them will be negotiated in the first meeting. We offer flat-rate solutions or billing according to time spent.

«Disputes not only cost money, but also time and nerves
it gets really expensive!»

Contact

We look forward to hearing from you

SPILLMANNHERTER 
Stockerstrasse 38
8002 Zurich
+41 44 208 2585

«Four eyes, two minds, one goal»