Something else happened in 1492 besides what Christopher Columbus was up to. And it resulted in a door still hanging today as an exhibit in Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland. I was struck when I read the story about the exhibit because I had just begun my mediation practice in New Bern, NC. The story goes that two families had a very serious dispute over which family would have one of its members get the position of Lord Deputy. When the fighting was getting out of control, one family retreated to safety inside the Chapter House in Saint Patrick's Cathedral and refused to open the door when the other family pounded on it. As a gesture of good faith, the leader of one of the families cut a hole in the door and put his arm through. Realizing that he was acting in good faith by taking such a risk, the other family responding by shaking his hand. The door was opened and the families made peace. To this day, when there is discussion of taking a risk, the Irish will ask, would you "chance your arm" over it?

I have used this example in my opening explanation of the rules of mediation. The parties should negotiate in good faith and often someone has to get the ball rolling by taking a chance. Let me help you find the path to resolution of your dispute.

By: Ken Wooten, Mediator, Ken Wooten Dispute Resolutions, 145 Dylan Lane, New Bern, NC 28562