What is the term for resolving conflicts with the help of a specially trained third party?

The term for resolving conflicts with the assistance of a specially trained third party is known as alternative dispute resolution (ADR). This approach encompasses various methods, including mediation and arbitration, which aim to resolve disputes without resorting to litigation.

In situations where conflicts arise, parties can benefit from engaging a neutral third party who facilitates communication and negotiation between them. This can lead to a more amicable resolution, as the third party helps identify common interests and proposes viable solutions that both sides can agree upon. Utilizing ADR can often be more cost-effective and quicker than traditional legal proceedings, fostering a more collaborative environment for resolving disagreements.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different conflict resolution strategies. Political skill involves the ability to navigate social situations and influence others, but it does not specifically relate to conflict resolution through a third party. Compromise entails both parties making concessions to reach an agreement; while this is a valuable strategy, it does not involve a third party's assistance. Avoiding conflict means steering clear of addressing the issue altogether, which doesn't lead to resolution. Therefore, alternative dispute resolution is the most accurate term for the process that includes the intervention of a trained professional to help settle disputes.