Mediation, as a viable form of conflict resolution, has gotten more attention over the years.  However, many remain unaware of the scope of conflicts that can be effectively effectively mediated. Mediation is an appropriate initial means of intervention for most conflicts.

In general anything that can be litigated can be mediated – including small claims disputes, divorce and custody issues, workplace disputes, business and professional conflicts, etc.

Mediation is an optimal means of dispute resolution which allows those in conflict to determine the best resolution for them, in other words those in conflict are the experts in determining what is the best solution to the issue. The mediator assists those in dispute identify their shared interests or desired outcomes. Building upon these areas of agreement (sometimes very small areas), the mediator assists the disputants reach an agreement that works for them: an agreement that is a win for both sides, and has a high level of long term compliance.

Most conflicts can be mediated – even those who find themselves unable to speak civilly (or without yelling) about an issue – can generally find an complete resolution through this type of conflict resolution.   Mediated agreements are considered “win-win” solutions since everyone voluntarily agrees or there is no resolution.  Divorce, custody, family disputes, prenuptial agreements, business partnerships, real estate transactions, neighbor issues, wills, and workplace conflicts are just a few of the issues that can be addressed through mediation.

As long as the parties are willing to work to resolve the issue in dispute, mediation can be a powerful tool.  It is expected that most are going to come to the table in varying states of disagreement, and perhaps not even speaking. The mediator is particularly able to partner his or her mediation skills and the willingness of the parties to resolve their dispute – to quickly and effectively resolve the areas of conflict, allowing everyone to move forward.

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Additional Reading:

• Who Wins? The Desired Goals
• Role of Emotions In Conflict
• Accessing Conflict Resolution Services
• Preparing To Mediate
• Mediation Vs. Arbitration
• The Problem With Litigation

Related Posts:

• Argument For Mediation: Active Conflict Resolution
• High Conflict Situations – Can Mediation Work?
• Role of the CFR Mediation Coordinator
• Who Wins? The End-Results of Mediation
• CFR Mediation Services in Texas
• A Little Preparation Can Go a Long Way

Tags: conflict, conflict mediation, Conflict Resolution, dispute, Dispute Resolution, divorce, Divorce Mediation, employee conflict, employee stress, high conflict, Mediation, mediator, prenuptial agreements, resolution, why mediation, wills

This entry was posted on Friday, January 7th, 2011 at 3:24 am and is filed under Civil Law, Divorce Mediation, Employee Benefits, Family Law, Mediation, Parenting Mediation, Workplace & Business Conflict. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.