Conflict Mediation Encouragement

There is a certain amount of dependence of the mediator in mediation. He or she is the pro, and his or her word is respected. If I say, “You’re very close,” or “You’re not going to get agreement today,” that can be accepted as truth. So it is very important to be positive yourself as you work with parties, even if you may not feel that way. Never give up until they give up, and even then, try to get them to think of other angles and possibilities. The other day, I had a mediation that was supposed to finish in 2 hours. It didn’t. It went past three hours before the possibility of breakthrough began to emerge. Several times, they were wanting to finish off, but by asking for one more try repeatedly and respectfully, without pushing, I was able to get agreement in the end. Encourage another time, another another angle, ask for the reason behind the position several times, as sometimes reasons only emerge with the passing of time, as they learn to trust you, the mediator.