The In-Between Role: How to Stay Credible While Standing Between All Sides

Published by Jean-Luc Meier - Analyses in Strategic Resilience · Wednesday 09 Jul 2025
Tags: Strategic, Resilience, Credibility, in, Negotiations , Intermediary, Role, Diplomacy, in, Action, Strategic, Influence, Balancing, Interests, Quiet, Diplomacy

In complex strategic contexts, where different interests collide, intermediaries often face the greatest challenge – balancing conflicting forces while maintaining integrity. The role of an intermediary is unique. It requires a delicate combination of insight, discretion, and integrity, especially when standing between conflicting parties. Yet, it is precisely this role that can lead to strategic breakthroughs—or create irreparable fractures.

At SRC Strategic Relations Counselling, we understand that the strength of an intermediary does not lie in taking sides, but in the ability to remain a steady and trusted presence, even when forces on all sides are pushing in different directions. The key to maintaining credibility is not just in how one navigates the current landscape, but in how one shapes it with strategic resilience.

The Complex Dynamics of Negotiation

Negotiation, at its core, is a game of influence. But the intermediary’s role transcends mere facilitation. It’s about understanding the deeper currents that drive each party’s interests, often hidden beneath layers of public statements and agendas. True intermediaries grasp the subtleties of power, and they know how to leverage those subtleties to create solutions that are acceptable to all.

But these moments are rare. The intermediary must operate in the shadows, understanding that the best outcomes often come without visibility. In this space, credibility is paramount. One wrong move or an impression of bias can quickly unravel the hard-won trust that has been built over time.

Strategic Resilience in Action

Strategic resilience is more than a concept; it’s a practice, a mindset that is forged through years of experience in navigating complex and often volatile environments. Resilience, in this context, does not refer to mere endurance, but to the active process of recalibration and adjustment. When standing between all sides, it is critical to remain flexible, while staying anchored to core values.

Quiet Leadership: In the midst of tension, the most effective leaders are those who do not react impulsively. They remain calm and composed, providing the clarity others need to find common ground.
Listening as Strength: Listening is an often underappreciated skill in these situations. The ability to hear what isn’t being said is just as important as hearing the words spoken. By listening closely, intermediaries can identify opportunities for alignment that others might miss.
Long-Term Vision: In high-stakes negotiations, it is easy to get caught up in the immediate pressures of the moment. Yet, the best intermediaries focus on the long-term impact of their actions. They understand that today’s challenges are steppingstones to tomorrow’s successes.

The SRC Approach: Navigating Without Visibility

At SRC, we have consistently demonstrated our ability to stand in the gap between competing forces. Our approach is built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to long-term solutions. We understand that our role as intermediaries is not to seek recognition, but to quietly guide our clients toward the most effective outcomes.

We do not simply manage the surface-level dynamics of negotiations. We look deeper, understanding the forces that drive each side and using our knowledge to craft strategies that maintain balance and promote cooperation. This is the essence of quiet diplomacy.

Conclusion: The True Strength of the In-Between Role

The role of the intermediary is never easy. It is often thankless, requiring a depth of understanding and an unwavering commitment to integrity. But it is also one of the most powerful roles in diplomacy and strategic decision-making. To succeed in this role requires more than technical expertise; it requires the ability to navigate complex, often conflicting interests, while maintaining a steady course.

At SRC, we pride ourselves on our ability to perform this delicate balancing act with grace, discretion, and an unyielding focus on the long-term success of our clients.

True strength, after all, does not come from taking sides. It comes from remaining a trusted presence, even when standing between all sides.