Mediation – a brief introduction
This blog is brought to you by a mediation firm in Worcester, in the West Midlands.
Conflicts between individuals or groups can arise for a variety of reasons. Such difficulties can occur in the workplace, in divorce proceedings, for civil or commercial reasons. They are often unpleasant, however mediation can support with this.
Battlegrounds
Heading off to the Courts when two parties disagree over an issue is not always the best, most efficient or cost effective step. It can also be immensely stressful.
Attempting conflict resolution on your own can be hard, causing fear, anxiety and a feeling of vulnerability.
A mediator will meet with you both to identify the issues of disagreement and help you make your own decisions to try and reach agreement. There is no coercion involved. The environment for workplace, civil or commercial mediation is neutral, balanced and supportive, whilst maintaining confidentiality.
Balancing the books
The answer to issues can usually be found more swiftly and with less emotional impact by negotiation between the two parties; the foundation upon which this rests is ‘assisted’ effective communication for agreement.
It is not about arbitration or letting someone speak or make decisions on your behalf.
A mediator acts to facilitate achieving resolution to the dispute, in an informed manner, without favour to the interests of either party.
Hear my voice
Mediators act with impartiality and without judgement. They are trained to listen, guiding the meeting, without giving advice, other than to recommend you seek legal advice where applicable.
You can be given time to reflect on what is being said; the aim is to resolve the dispute to the satisfaction of both sides.
Resolution v dispute
Mediation can be used before, during or after court proceedings and is often given the name, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). You can retain and incorporate legal and other expert information and advice.
The sharing game
The central issue prior to a meeting is agreeing to the concept of informed consent. Both parties need to understand the nature of mediation and agree to participate in the approach of collaboration and sharing, rather than argument.
You share the cost, decide on a location convenient to both; it is voluntary, you can leave at any time, with or without reason. It does not preclude Court proceedings in the event of non-settlement.
Who solves the puzzle?
No-one can stipulate you agree on an issue; the idea behind mediation is that you both feel motivated to work together to solve the issues.
Here and there
Reaching a mutual agreement is paramount to success. This is achieved either by both parties being present in the room or the mediator can talk to each side separately, if this is the preferred wish.
Contact: for more information about mediation in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and surrounding areas, speak to Ryan at Centre for Resolution and find out the facts.
01905 21717