We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joshua Gordon, JD, MA a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joshua, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
At the Sports Conflict Institute, we stand apart by treating conflict management not just as a necessary element of sports administration but as a competitive advantage. This philosophy is embedded in our approach, where we see conflict resolution skills as key drivers of success in sports organizations. Our unique strategy of focusing on the human elements in sports conflicts, integrating psychological, sociological, and educational perspectives, goes beyond the industry standard. By viewing and harnessing conflict management as a strategic asset, we not only resolve disputes but also empower teams and organizations to reach their full potential, setting a new precedent in sports business and governance.
Joshua, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am Joshua Gordon, founder of the Sports Conflict Institute, specializing in sports law, business, and dispute resolution. My journey into this field began as a student-athlete, where I experienced firsthand the impact of unresolved conflicts in sports. This led to my pursuit of law and specialization in sports conflict. Our services at the Institute range from conflict resolution training to consultancy on sports business and governance issues. We stand out by treating conflict management as a strategic tool, not just a necessity. I’m proud of how we’ve transformed conflict resolution into a competitive advantage for sports organizations. Our approach is holistic, considering psychological, sociological, and educational aspects of sports conflicts. I want potential clients and followers to know that at the Sports Conflict Institute, we’re redefining how conflicts are understood and resolved in the sports industry, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
I’m deeply involved in arbitration and mediation across various sports platforms. My roles include serving as an arbitrator for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and Major League Baseball (MLB/MLBPA), and a mediator for FIFA, These roles require a nuanced understanding of sports law and governance, providing a platform to resolve some of the most intricate disputes in the sports world. At the University of Oregon, I also function as the de facto athlete Ombuds in my role as the Faculty Athletics Representative, addressing athletes’ concerns and ensuring their voices are heard and acted upon. This diverse range of roles allows me to apply and share my expertise in dispute resolution to enhance fairness and integrity in sports.
Finally, I have co-authored two books with my colleague, Gary Furlong, The Sports Playbook: Building Teams That Outperform Year After Year (2019) and Strategic Negotiation: Building Organizational Excellence to further support individuals and organizations anywhere performance matters.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building my reputation within the sports conflict resolution market has been largely due to being a trusted individual, always prioritizing impactful contributions over purely lucrative opportunities. My approach is relational rather than transactional. I focus on building lasting relationships and trust with clients and colleagues by consistently delivering solutions that not only resolve immediate conflicts but also contribute to the long-term well-being and success of sports organizations and individuals. This dedication to creating meaningful change rather than just completing transactions has been fundamental in establishing my credibility and influence in the field.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A significant lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that conflict is inherently destructive. Initially, my perspective on conflict, shaped by early career experiences, viewed it as a disruptive force to be avoided. However, over time, particularly through my engagements in sports dispute resolution, I realized that conflict, when managed effectively, can be a powerful catalyst for positive change, innovation, and growth. This shift in understanding transformed my approach to conflict resolution, focusing on harnessing its potential to drive constructive outcomes rather than merely attempting to suppress or avoid it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sportsconflict.org/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuagordon/
- Twitter: @joshuagordon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVvH1Orbz69SRm7hZkALNuw
Image Credits
@Joshuagordon