What does a mediator do?
The mediator is a neutral person that helps the parties come to a settlement. The mediator does this by channeling emotions during meetings using several skills to keep the parties moving forward. Among these mediation skills are restating positions so they can be heard more readily by the other party, keeping the focus on what is most important (e.g. the well-being of the children), and pointing out hidden issues which the couple must resolve.
A mediator explains the mediation process, provides a supportive, nonconfrontational setting in which to negotiate. They also assist the parties to understand and analyze the facts and issues. Mediators keep the parties focused on issues, help the party gain control of their dispute and facilitate creative and cost effective solutions.
Mediation is the art of dealing with conflicts in a creative and reasonable manner and turn people from opponents into supporters. A lot of attention is paid to repairing the disrupted communication between the parties by creating space for all suppressed motives and emotions that seem to block the road to a solution. The mediator is an independent process manager who always takes a neutral position in relation to everyone involved. The mediator restores and supports the mutual communication and trust, helps to structure the situation, coaches the parties towards various possible solutions and stimulates the decision making process to satisfy all parties involved. Underlying causes of conflicts such as emotions, frustrations and irritations are given a lot of attention in order to make solutions negotiable again. The mediator is not an advisor and doesn’t hand a solution or impose a decision. This is the responsibility of the parties involved.
A mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates discussion between two parties regarding a specific dispute. By discussing the issue with both parties together, and each person individually, the mediator helps the disputants find common ground. The mediator focuses the conversation and creates a structure for safe expression, as well as helping brainstorm potential solutions. Both sides are challenged to create specific, clear solutions that can be measured, and to develop consequences for non–compliance.
