Mediating conflict

Common steps in Mediation V3

Perhaps the core question for parties in mediation is: Do you want to engage in a real conversation about resolving this dispute? Alternatively, do you want to debate and then lob offers and counteroffers back and forth? I work with the former.

I approaching mediation with the expectation that Parties want to engage in a useful conversation – a real alternative to court. Using this perspective, Parties and counsel spend most time together in a mediated discussion, taking breaks from time to time to discuss as a team how to move forward. So I work to:

• Help clarify the choices that the parties face
• To keep the power of resolution with the parties, not the mediator
• Reduce the risk and adverse effects of litigation
• Discourage the customary “settlement culture” that impedes effective resolution
• Improve communications and the exchange of necessary information
• Enhance the development of resolution options
• Help the parties better understand how to improve settlement decisions
• Assist the parties, as mediator, in identifying and avoiding likely decision-making errors
• Recognize the implications of difficult conversations in settlement negotiations
• Encourage thoughtful and thorough preparation

Characteristics of a mediated conversation

Analytic mediation

Some other resources:

Comparing two mediation approaches

A mediation agreement in MS Word