Managing A Brewing Dispute – Lower The Flame And Avoid Stirring The Pot

Disputes are rather unavoidable in business due to difficulties and divergences in communication, expectations and understanding.

However, it is crucial to manage disputes properly as they can become expensive, time-consuming and even destroy the value of the business, should they become protracted. Handling them well also leaves open the possibility of future business ventures with the counter-party or at the very least, allows for leveraging of the counter-party's connections.

Indeed, basic preventive measures such as the drafting of contracts in clear language, and avoiding vague terms that leave little room for doubt, can be taken to reduce the occurrences of disputes. But, we will not focus on these issues here as they can be easily taken care of with the help of a competent lawyer. What is in fact more crucial and difficult is the managing of a brewing dispute which may, unfortunately, be inevitable. The following, whilst not exhaustive, are borne from