Antony possesses all of the skills one would expect from an experienced mediation practitioner. He has a highly engaging manner, full of energy, enthusiasm and good humour, whilst remaining empathetic and sensitive. Most mediators like to describe themselves as impartial and neutral, but Antony considers such a stance to be too passive, preferring a rather more proactive approach that is best described as ‘omni-partial’, with sleeves rolled up, working equally hard in the best interests of every party.
Antony also has a very clear focus upon “resolution” (the ‘R’ in ADR), which is not the same as compromise or settlement. He does not view mediation as merely a form of negotiation or ‘horse-trading’ and is not a fan of ‘shuttle diplomacy’. He is not afraid to examine and, if necessary, challenge apparently entrenched positions, assertions of ‘bottom lines’ and ‘over my dead body’ issues. He believes strongly that the scope of potential outcomes is limited only by the imaginations of the participants and expects everyone involved to think creatively and collaboratively.
His considerable experience in community mediation, which follows a very different mediation model from that of commercial mediation, has allowed him to develop and fuse the skills he has acquired in each area giving him a more varied and flexible ‘toolbox’ than many other purely commercial mediators. His very high success rate is undoubtedly the result of his ability to be flexible in his style and approach and to find just the right tool for the job in hand.
Antony continues to make a considerable commitment to pro bono work, both in community and commercial mediation, devoting a minimum of 20 days per year to pro bono matters.
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