Mediation is a process which helps both parties to reach agreement, but on their own terms.
When it seems like there is no solution to a conflict, or that “going to court” is the only way forward, mediation can provide a simple, affordable, welcome solution. It is so much better to reach a mutually satisfactory settlement.
Mediation is a structured, fair and clear way to help people (including groups of people) to reach agreement or resolution on key issues. It’s a way of stepping back and taking a fresh look at the problem. It is a semi-formal process which is nothing like going to court. The parties agree to take part but are not forced to agree anything they don’t want to. The mediator helps them to identify issues, develop or explore options for resolving those issues, work through the implications of each option and – if the parties agree – negotiate an agreement which will actually work. It is the parties that make all decisions, not the mediator.
Conflict often seems unavoidable when people are “stuck” in set positions. There are often underlying issues which are not immediately clear. Mediation offers the parties a way to navigate their positions and issues, ensure that they are heard, understand each other and the bigger picture better, and find a resolution together. It often brings additional perspective and understanding between the parties which can change things completely, and in many cases good communication can even be restored ongoing.
The mediation process very often enables people to reach an amicable resolution to issues which previously were thought to be “unresolvable”. Various studies have shown that mediation resolves issues in around 80% of cases, and those which don’t can go on to resolve in the days after the mediation process ends.
Need more information?
- Contact Mark here
- Is the dispute, disagreement or set of issues you are facing well suited to mediation? Find out here.
- To find out more about the process, timeframes, costs and next steps, read this page.
- Read about facilitation here.
- More detail about Mark’s background here.