Here are my Top-10 Reasons to Mediate Disputes
1. Confidentiality – Information collected and discussed in mediation is confidential among the parties.
2. Openness and transparency – Mediation moves the parties from hardline positions to communicating real interests (e.g. what’s behind positions such as goals, hopes, fears, concerns and wishes).
3. Expediency – Mediators work to accommodate the parties quickly. As a result, resolutions are often achieved in a short period of time.
4. Cost – The cost of mediation is shared by the parties. Many conflicts are resolved within 1-3 joint sessions.
5. Autonomy – Mediation is voluntary. Only the parties decide whether or not they will resolve the dispute.
6. Creativity – The parties are encouraged to think creatively. All proposals are considered and evaluated.
7. Problem-focused – The parties focused their joint energy on tackling the issues – not on personal attacks.
8. Neutrality – An external mediator doesn’t know the parties or have any stake in the outcome.
9. Safety – The mediator works with the parties to ensure their psychological and physical safety during the process.
10. Win-win – Principled negotiation is designed to bring about consensual resolutions where both parties benefit.