Mediation is a efficient process to resolve conflicts. The process is flexible enough to take into account the specifics of your disagreement and to allow for reflection of important points. Mediation takes care of the fundamentals for achieving consensus. It has a focus on the interest, and solutions are customized to the needs of the parties. Mediation is a straight forward process and far from what you experience in a court case. Mediation encourages parties to be active and find solutions that fit both sides, thus fostering their good relations or even restoring a stressed relationship.

We guide you through four straight forward steps in the mediation process

• 1) Description of the conflict by the parties
• 2) Structured conflict analysis
• 3) Design of potential solutions
• 4) Reaching an agreement

At the  beginning all parties involved will describe the disagreement from their point of view. Based on this description a structured analysis will reveal hidden aspects that have not yet been acknowledged or addressed. Once the interests of the parties are clearly identified the parties start with the design of potential solutions. The process helps to rebuild trust and empowers the parties to actively address their needs and interests. Often parties feel relieved when they hear their own interests acknowledged and taken care for by the other side. Finally either a superior solution or a combination of the initially proposed solutions will be chosen to resolve the issue and reach a mutually supported agreement.

During the process the mediator is the guardian for the respectful atmosphere and the efficient procedure. We will make no suggestions how parties could resolve a conflict. Instead we will guide you through questions and help you analyze your underlying interests and relevant conditions for your agreement.

Many times we have been asked whether the mediator is a non-partisan role. That would not be enough! As mediator we have have a responsibility to be all-partisan, meaning that we have to take your and all other parties best interest into account.

For what type of disagreement do we recommend mediation?

Mediation is a powerful tool to find to a mutually enjoyable agreement. It works well even if the atmosphere is already tense.

There is a limitation to mediation as sole conflict resolution tool once a conflict has entered the physical aggressive phase and violent actions have been committed. In this case mediation might be a helpful tool in conjunction with other approaches.

In very early stages of a disagreement a simple facilitation might do the trick, too. However mediation processes are highly efficient and save your time and money. The structured process is flexible enough to address your specific situation.

If you are insecure whether mediation is a good choice contact us and we evaluate for free your best procedural options.

Any other conditions apply?

The strength of the mediation process is based on the commitment of the parties to resolve their disagreement in a respectful and mutually satisfactory way. Once the parties have embarked on a mediation process they still hold all power in their hands.

Unlike other conflict resolution tools mediation puts emphasis on the empowerment of parties to reach an agreement. Therefore the participation in mediation processes must be voluntarily. Any party is free to leave the process if it feels the process does not address their needs. Even the mediator is entitled to abandon the process if he feels the fairness in the process cannot be guaranteed.

This helps to adjust the playing field even if – as often in real life – power is not equally distributed. This makes mediation so powerful and beneficial for all parties.

What are the benefits of mediation?

• Economical – a straightforward process, no legal counsel necessary
• Rapid -  a straightforward process saves time, no wait time for courts
• Customized – the specific interests and conditions of the involved are met
• Mutually Satisfactory – all parties are satisfied as the agreement meets their interest
• Superior Compliance – all parties enact the agreement as it meets their interest
• Control and Predictability – you hold the power and control the outcome
• Regard for Relationship – your relations with others are liberated
• Personal Empowerment – you will be amazed how good it feels to resolve the disagreement