Greggonomics 11: The Biology of the Deal: Why Resolution is a Health Intervention

Happy New Year.

As 2026 kicks off, I’ve been doing the usual admin, including re-registering the Hunt ADR / The Barrister Group (TBG) training course with the Civil Mediation Council (CMC).

Part of that process now includes a mandatory declaration that we’ve engaged with the CMC’s “Conflict and Health” series. Now, I know what some of you are thinking: “Another box to tick, Gregg?”

Actually, no. I’ve just finished watching them, and they are excellent.

The “Win-Win” Myth

You may have heard me say this before: I can’t stand the terms “win-win” or “lose-lose.” They’re lazy. They suggest that mediation is just a simple maths problem where we move numbers around until they eventually balance out.

It’s never just about the maths. Like we say on every training course, it is about the people, it’s about the biology.

“Resolution isn’t just a signature on a settlement agreement; it’s a physiological release. It’s the moment the body finally stops fighting.”

Cortisol, Adrenaline, and the “Travel Engine”

The CMC’s series, presented by Marie Coombes, hits the nail on the head. When people are in dispute – whether it’s a holiday claim in our “Travel Engine” or a high-stakes commercial row – their bodies are effectively under attack.

Cortisol, adrenaline, the works.

A mediator who doesn’t understand the physical toll of conflict is mediating with one hand tied behind their back. We talk a lot about our Mediator Observer Programme and tools like Meddi, but this “Health Literacy” is the third pillar.

My Challenge for 2026

I’m making it a priority for anyone associated with Hunt ADR to watch these – indeed, they will now form a mandatory part of our syllabus for 2026. If you’re a mediator, a lawyer, or someone dealing with difficult people, you need to realise:

1. Resolution is a health intervention. You’re not just settling a dispute; you’re helping someone’s heart rate return to normal.
2. Practitioner burnout is real. If you don’t manage your “conflict hygiene,” the job will eat you alive.

The Last Word

I try to finish each Greggonomics with a quote or a lyric, and this one felt appropriate for a year where we prioritise the human over the process:

“It’s hard to dance with a devil on your back, so shake him off.” Florence Welch

Let’s stop hiding behind slogans this year and start looking at the actual human impact of the work we do.

Do yourself a favour and watch the series here: Civil Mediation Council – Conflict and Health

See you next time,

Gregg