. What is an effective mediation process? How is it implemented? Mediation is a powerful tool for resolving conflicts, but it must be apparent from the outset that all parties are committed to making it work, or it won’t succeed. Those involved must want to work towards a resolution and make it sustainable.
Whether you’re dealing with a family matter, workplace conflict, or community dispute, mediation is incredibly effective when everyone wants to find a mutually beneficial solution.
This step-by-step guide will highlight the mediation process and how it can quickly get you the desired results, whether you’re looking to refer a case to a mediation provider or are directly involved in the dispute.
Step 1: Preparing for Mediation
Once you’ve decided to explore mediation, you must find a qualified, third-party mediator with the relevant training, experience, and expertise for your case.
Once everything is in place, the mediator will contact each party separately to understand the situation and each party’s individual perspective and desired outcomes.
Following this process, the mediator will contact all parties to agree on a date and time for the face-to-face mediation session.
Step 2: The Mediation Begins
Before the main discussion begins, the mediator will outline the guidelines for ensuring respectful communication and cooperation during the mediation process.
The mediation session will then begin with opening statements from each party involved. This is an opportunity for each side to express their perspectives, concerns, and hopes for the mediation process. The key here is active listening without interruption from the other parties. The mediator will facilitate this and guide as required.
Step 3: Progression
Each party has shared their initial thoughts and the main points they want to get across. Then, the mediator will guide a two-way conversation. It will help them see things from the other’s perspective and avoid misunderstandings.
Often, disputes are simple misunderstandings. Clearing such misunderstandings leads to meaningful resolutions with an effective mediation process.
Step 4: Exploring Solutions
After the conversation has progressed to a certain point, the mediator can start facilitating a discussion of potential solutions to the problem.
It’s vital to note that the mediator’s job is to facilitate the conversation, using their skills and experience to guide the parties to their resolution effectively. It isn’t to direct them in any way or to make recommendations. This approach makes resolutions much more sustainable.
At this point, the purpose is to help the parties start imagining what a mutually agreeable and successful outcome could look like, how it would improve their lives, and how they could implement it.
Step 5: The Resolution
Now, discussions can move forward to decide on the resolution. The process involves various aspects, and each party is responsible for making it work.
The mediator can then formalise the agreement in writing and provide a copy to all parties.
Step 6: Closing Statements
The mediator may ask the parties to express their feelings about the process. It also involves their feelings toward the agreement reached to complete the mediation session. This can be a powerful way to get more emotional buy-in. How the parties feel at the end of the session can have a much more significant impact on the future than the written agreement.
Step 7: Follow-Ups
Every case is unique, and the mediator will treat them that way.
In most cases, a single session will lead to a successful resolution. Even then, the mediator may need to check in with the parties later to ensure everything is still on track. If any follow-up sessions are needed, the mediator can schedule them.
Some cases require more than one face-to-face session. In cases where face-to-face communication wouldn’t have been appropriate at first, the mediator may consider shuttle mediation or another alternative technique to start the process.
Other cases don’t need in-person sessions, as virtual resolutions are possible, either over the phone or online, through Zoom or Teams.
Mediation is fast and adaptable, and it works.
How We Can Help
At ADR Mediation, we offer a range of mediation services to help housing associations, communities, businesses, and individuals overcome all disputes.
Call us on 01772 954602 or email info@adrmediation.org.uk to learn more about what we can do for you.
