Office of Student Life and Alumni Relations
Martin Epstein
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, May 2010
Please describe your academic background including the reason(s) for enrolling in the M.S. program at the School of Continuing Education.
I graduated from Lehman College with a B.A. in political science in 1971. At that time music and listening to radio were my passions, so I sought and registered for as many courses related to radio broadcasting as I could find and worked as a radio announcer for the school station.
For the 28 years that I worked in information technology and financial services, conflict and negotiation were a major part of my life. It was clear that work and projects were complicated by the lack of successful interactions between staff members as well as the inability of our teams to communicate effectively. Thus, projects were failing and morale was falling. In search of a solution that would be most effective during times of conflict, a friend introduced me to the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (NECR) program and, as I read the program description and the courses that were being offered, I was lifted up with hope and possibilities. I also experienced some doubt—whether, after many years of not being in school, I would be accepted and whether I was up to the level of work. I went for it, was accepted into the NECR program, and graduated in May of 2010.
Please describe your professional background leading up to your current position.
I began my career at a major bank on Wall Street as a junior programmer, working on mainframe computers. In the last 12 years, my career track has changed from technical to management as I moved along from investment banks, insurance companies and back to a commercial bank. All along the way I saw how important communication was to the success of a business (i.e. how I interacted with my colleagues as well as our customers). In November 2010, I started Effective Conversation. Whether in business, personal interactions or in times of self-reflection, I have come to see that conversation is another word for connection and understanding. Seeing the value of this work throughout all of the areas of my life, Effective Conversation was formed to support individuals, couples, groups and organizations discover and learn efficient and authentic ways to connect, collaborate, work through conflict, and to hear and be heard from an empathic place.
What is a typical day like in your current position?
On a typical day, my mornings consist of reading and responding to emails, writing proposals and connecting with individuals and organizations about my work. I also spend an hour or two speaking with colleagues as well as providing coaching and empathic support. Most of my client-based work takes place during the afternoons and evenings. I facilitate various groups, work with individuals or couples and provide training within organizations, supporting managers, staff and teams in collaborative communication—teaching the skills to work with conflict along with empathic speaking and listening so that each party’s needs and values will be heard and understood. The work that I do also helps the participants proactively manage conflict in their relationships as well as in their jobs.
How did the Negotiation & Conflict Resolution (NECR) program help you prepare for/with your career?
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution has been most helpful in moving me forward in my work, in what I discovered was my passion. The breadth of knowledge that was made available to me and the support of the faculty have enriched my experience in many ways. The readings and the studies helped me to see how this work is much needed in the world. Whether we are in relationships, at our jobs, in organizations or involved internationally, there is conflict and the skills we are learning are applicable.
What I found to be so worthwhile and beneficial in this program was the continued opportunity and emphasis toward self-awareness. After all, how can we resolve conflict in others if we haven’t resolved conflict in ourselves or understand the various aspects of ourselves that may be biased or triggered? The work in this program is profound and enlightening. Another aspect of the program that was wonderful was the camaraderie that was developed with the cohort. There is a sense of caring and support that naturally arises as we, my classmates, move through the classes and experiences together.
What advice would you give to students who wish to pursue careers in NECR?
I am aware that there are positions such as ombuds and mediators as well as positions in NGOs and other such organizations that are out there and available; however, I have also heard that such jobs are not plentiful. Knowing that my classmates and I had an M.S. from Columbia in this field offered me a greater sense of confidence moving into the working world after my graduation. I also have come to see that employing the skills and practices that I have learned from this program can be both challenging and fun. This field requires some creativity, for example, in developing or creating a position within an organization or in stepping out and doing one’s own work.
