Mediation
One path toward restored relationshipsConflicts can often feel insurmountable and impossible.
Those involved can become so entrenched in the details and emotions that finding a solution becomes overwhelming.
Personal interests become too important, and compromise seems like losing.
Being in a room together can often lead to inappropriate responses and harmful actions. In situations like these, help is needed.
Often, a third party can help navigate a path toward resolution.
Every conflict is unique and will be approached as such. This is not a “one size fits all” approach and the mediator cannot know how long the process will take.
The goal is to discern a win-win solution for all those involved and depends upon the people involved. The mediator helps the parties navigate the conflict but does not force answers or solutions.
The ending is dependent upon the individuals involved.
Mediation
A Chance
Mediation can be a chance to guide the parties toward a healthy solution.
A Conversation
A conversation that leads to solutions can be facilitated by a mediator that is impartial and objective.
A Possible Solution
The mediator’s goal is to lead both parties to a solution they can accept. The mediator’s interest in the situation is only as it pertains to moving toward a peaceful solution. The mediator does not take sides but is only interested in the end goal of reconciliation and resolution.
A Tool
Mediation is a tool that can be used to resolve conflict peacefully. As a tool, it can lead to restored relationships and transformed situations.
What Mediation IS
A deliberate attempt to confront a conflict and seek resolution
A guided conversation with both parties and a mediator
A chance for both parties to express their perception, understanding and emotions involved with the conflict
A safe setting with rules for conduct and an objective mediator guiding the conversation and enforcing those rules
A chance to aim for a win-win solution for all parties involved
What Mediation is NOT
A chance to vent and verbally abuse the other party
A situation that aims to harm those involved by putting them in danger and not providing safety guidelines
A situation that leads to a judgment by the mediator which may be a solution not agreed upon by both parties
A guaranteed solution. Mediation can lead to restoration but a solution is not reached unless both parties agree
Who the Mediator is
An objective party who guides the conversation
A trained leader who sets guidelines for the conversation and helps the parties adhere to those boundaries
A listener who aims to guide those involved to a solution while not taking sides, judging the parties, or determining a solution on their own
An individual invested in restoring relationship and seeking a healthy solution
How you can use mediation to resolve your conflict
A mediator can arrange a mediation session for those involved in your conflict
You can arrange to meet in a neutral setting to discuss the conflict. Working together, the mediator will help you discern a solution that all parties involved can agree upon.
A mediator can meet with your parties over time
Additional meetings can be scheduled if no solution is reached and the parties are willing to continue working with the mediator.
A mediator can meet with the parties separately
The mediator can meet with those involved without the others present. Meeting separately can help individuals develop a framework for future conversations. Working separately the mediator can help both sides of a conflict approach the situation from the perspective of all involved. The mediator can suggest a group meeting when the parties are ready to work on a solution.
Nancy is the Lead Facilitator, and primary mediator for A Place in the Conversation.
