What exactly is the process of mediation? There are more than a few ways of defining the word but we are looking primarily at the mediation methods used in business disputes. Under those circumstances it would be defined as:
- The resolution or settling of differences by working with all parties involved in the conflict.
- Bringing about a solution or settlement between all parties involved in the conflict.
Mediation is needed when the participants in a dispute just cannot find a way to reach an end result that will make the problem go away. It is a collaborative effort to try to reach mutual objectives once the issues have been identified by developing a consensual agreement. A mediator is a person skilled at taking a problem apart, examining its core values and then helping the persons in disagreement see a mutual solution.
An experienced mediator will be able to address everyone’s needs that are involved in the conflict. They will be able to show all those in the dispute that there are always alternatives to what they think is the only solution. The main thing an arbitrator will be able to accomplish is help to eliminate the obstacles that are keeping the employees involved from being able to talk to one another. It is also possible that once the arbitration has ended your employees will have a model with which they can solve their own conflicts in the future.
One thing should always be remembered about conflict. It is always present in our lives. Even the perfect marriage has its conflicts. This is measurably increased in the workplace. Once they arise in business situations they need to be addressed as quickly as is possible. The work environment is already a hot bed of feelings in one area or another. The last thing a company needs is to have conflict there as it will affect many things and eventually the bottom line if left to fester.
In most mediation cases the mediator does not advise what to do or determine who is right or wrong. Thy try to have the persons in conflict look at the problem or problems and make their own decisions on what should be done. This is by having them look at the situation from both their and the other persons angle.
Basically the process is to have the conflict put on the table and both parties to take a long look at what is really best for the company and themselves.