Frequently Asked Questions

• What is mediation?
• What are the benefits of mediation?
• What is the mediation process like?
• What is facilitation?
• Why should I hire a professional mediator or facilitator?

 

What is mediation?

Mediation is a conflict resolution process between two sides of an issue with the help of a neutral, third party (the mediator) who guides the process and assists them in reaching an agreement.

Key features of mediation:

• A mediator provides a safe environment for discussing concerns and differences, creating trust and understanding, and improving communication and problem solving skills.
• Only the participants can make a decision. The mediator has no authority and makes no decisions.
• It is less expensive, easier and more effective than combative forums (grievance processes, EEO investigations, hiring attorneys, etc).
• Mediation is usually private and confidential.
• The parties in conflict and the nature of the conflict determine the specifics of each mediation process – who participates, how many sessions, what constitutes an acceptable agreement, etc.
• Participation is voluntary.

 

What are the benefits of mediation?

For the participant:

• Get help talking about a difficult subject
• Satisfactory, tangible outcome
• Opportunity for a fresh start
• Ability to come to work without dreading it
• Reduced stress
• Increased sense of job security

For the manager who requests mediation services:

• Burden to solve the problem alone is lifted
• Quicker resolutions
• High agreement compliance rate
• Written agreement to use as a guide in future conversations with employees
• Better working relationship with employees

For the organization:

• 85% success rate
• Less expensive than traditional process of complaints, grievance, discipline, EEO investigations or legal action
• Less time loss than the traditional process
• Improved staff goodwill
• Increased productivity
• Decreased risk of staff turnover

 

What is the mediation process like?

Prior:

• The mediator discusses the conflict with the person who initiated the process.
• The mediator calls both participants and discusses the issues with them to determine their point of view.
• A mediation appointment is set, usually on-site.

During:

• The first session usually takes between 4-5 hours and has four stages:
  • Sharing points of view
  • Selecting topics for conversation
  • Discussion and negotiation
  • Agreement

Follow-up:

• Sometimes there is another 2-3 hour mediated session, if both parties decide it would be helpful.
• There is always a 6 week follow-up session to check in.

 

What is facilitation?

Facilitation is a service provided by an impartial third party (the facilitator) who helps a group make effective decisions using a process that is cooperative, inclusive, and efficient.

Key features of facilitation:

• Facilitation can be especially helpful for groups with many participants, diverse interests, and/or anticipated or historical conflict.
• A facilitator can help a group move beyond conflict or inaction into productive dialogue, real problem solving, effective planning and results.
• Prior to the facilitation, the facilitator works with group members to address potential challenges, determine the process and define the desired outcomes.
• Key points, agendas, roles and results are defined.
• Concrete results are attained such as written agreements, strategies, to-do lists, assignments, next steps, follow-up, etc.

 

Why should I hire a professional mediator or facilitator?

• Impartial third party who has no personal investment in the outcome of the process
• Perceived by employees and organization members as neutral
• Trained individual who uses proven techniques to forge agreements
• High success rate improves chances of resolution
• More effective and less expensive than allowing damaged relationships to fester and infect the work environment