A Bridge
To Resolving
Conflict
Expert in mediation, Facilitation & conflict coaching.
Collective Bargaining & Grievance Mediation
EEO & employment Mediation
Community-Public Agency Alternative Dispute resolution
Organizational & Team Building Facilitated Processes
The Problem
In the workplace, when contract negotiations have stalled, grievances are prolonged and valued team members are not able to work together, there are financial, emotional and psychological costs. Conflict can make our jobs harder, and stall the growth of our businesses and organizations.
The solution
With the support of a neutral third party, labor and management can be better equipped to understand each others needs and collaborate on innovation solutions which can be mutually beneficial. Your workplace becomes vibrant and you exceed your goals.
Schedule an initial assessment
Commissioner KristeN Beifus
Kristen Beifus brings 25 years of labor-management-mediation experience in the public and private sectors to her clients. She has proven success in mediating Collective Bargaining processes, Grievances and EEO claims as well as interpersonal employment cases. Kristen is an adept trainer and facilitator in all aspects of labor-management relation and workplace conflict with a focus on collaborative problem solving. She has proven success in mediating conflict within organizations, as well as community and public agencies.
SERVICES
Mediation & Facilitated Conversations
Move your labor-management teams to a deal, resolve contract grievances and EEO claims efficiently, address conflict in your organization or team through effective mediation.
Conflict Coaching
Transform conflict in your agency, organization or team, through building understanding, stronger relationships, better communication and resilience in your workplace.
Starting or re-booting your Labor-Management Committee? Need a Grievance Procedure refresh? Training and workshops in all aspects of Collective Bargaining Contract Management, Workplace Conflict & Mediation.
Training & WorkshopS
experiences Working with Kristen
In the Labor movement we understand that there can be no energy without friction. This friction—or conflict, can be generative, but only if we embrace it and have steady processes to get us through to resolution. Kristen is a lifelong, skilled and successful practitioner of finding creative pathways through conflict. Like any good mediator, she has the uncanny ability to deeply listen and decipher not only what is being said, but perhaps more importantly, what is not being said. Along with these exceptional skills, she brings integrity, dignity, and grace into every space and for every person. I highly recommend her as a mediator, facilitator, and steady guide in navigating conflict, in our labor movement and beyond.
Karen Estevenin, Executive Director
Protec 17
I have worked with Kristen for 10 years. She is a calm, thoughtful, innovative
multi-partial mediator. Kristen has extensive experience in helping parties
understand the sources of their conflict. She ensures they consider the impacts
of the roles of social identity and power in their workplaces and relationships while working with them to develop solutions which meet their needs. She is courageous, fun and always ready to see a project through to closure.
Polly Davis, Manager (retired)
King County Alternative Dispute Resolution Office
In these chaotic times, Kristen exudes the joy and patience needed to advance racial, gender, and class equity. She is gifted at seeing and hearing people; these skills not only encourage people to be courageously honest, but is also strategic in moving the work forward. Kristen's facilitation shows that conflict can be generative and lead to stronger alignment and stabilize during moments of transition.
Mary Le Nguyen, Executive Director
Washington Community Action Network
When I have difficult decisions to make or need support with diplomatic, but authentic ways to speak my truth Kristen is my go- to for wisdom and sound advice. Her guidance and equanimity have often been a balm to my spirit and given me the perspective I've needed to have difficult conversations and to engage productively in conflict. Kristen is a direct communicator who radiates compassion and is very skilled at listening for solutions and holding space for conflict resolution. Her moral compass points due north and she is the first person I would call if I needed a mediator.
Reagan Jackson, Executive Director
Young Women Empowered
I worked with a broad-based community coalition that Kristen led, pulling together different stakeholders including worker advocates, small business and community organizations. Kristen worked with a racial justice lens, enabling me to share ideas and supported me to implement them. When we faced conflict, she gracefully navigated us through the waters. She is compassionate, a great listener and a champion for justice.
Eunice How, President
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)
Seattle Chapter