How do parties in a mediation communicate?
Respectful communication is necessary to for mediation to succeed. To arrive at a workable agreement, a mediation must be psychologically and physically safe for all parties. Therefore, participants agree beforehand to follow certain communication guidelines, such as uninterrupted time for each participant to speak, and no foul or threatening language, gestures, or actions. Mediators assure that these guidelines are followed. Genuine desire to discuss and resolve the dispute are also key to mediation. Parties must honestly express their viewpoint and listen open-mindedly to what the other says. If someone is focused only on blaming or revenge, the other tends to fight back and stop listening, which lessens the chances of successfully managing the conflict. Mediators set the tone and model the attitudes and behaviors that enable conflict resolution.
Related Questions
- WHAT IS MEDIATION? Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process to help disputing parties resolve conflict and reach win/win solutions WHY USE MEDIATION?
- Does the Mediation Program keep a copy or record of the pre-mediation agreement or agreements made by the parties?
- Does Magistrate Judge Nuechterlein require the parties to engage in mediation?
