Conscious Contracts: Creating a sustainable business relationship

Eventually conflicts will arise, so why not plan for things to go right at the outset in contractual negotiations and create a conflict management framework for your business dealings?

Drafting a "Conscious Contract" is the first step in forging a solid business relationship by starting a deal on a mindful and constructive foundation. 

It is important to note that our adjudication systems in their present form are not equipped to deal with the live dynamics of our constantly changing business world. Business parties are often left frustrated by legal systems that are not efficient or conducive for resolving disputes relating to their deals. 

A Conscious Contract can thus function as a customized and "living document" that has practical-use based in flexible application.

The drafting parties place power into the agreement by predicting typical issues that can arise and designing a private justice system based on promoting problem-solving. Consciously co-creating an environment to foster resolution of conflict allows the parties to forge durable business dealings.

Conscious Contracts lead to sustainable business relationships that prosper. 

By counteracting the inevitable pressures of disputes, the parties start the deal with strong and empowered relations, consciously creating their business dynamic. 

This article was inspired by a trusted colleague and a Conscious Contracts expert, Linda Alvarez, whose new book "Discovering Agreement: Contracts that turn conflict into creativity" was recently published by the ABA on this topic.

I wholeheartedly recommend Linda's book if you're interested further on the topic of Conscious Contracts, or you can also check-out a related website.