Mediation is a “client-centred” process in which clients control the outcome. The mediator’s role is to help the clients identify their interests, options and priorities and to facilitate the clients’ communication with each other so they can arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution of their dispute.
10 Advantages of Mediation as a Conflict Resolution Method
When two people conflict, it can be difficult to see eye to eye. Mediation is a process that can help parties in conflict to reach a mutually agreed upon resolution. Here are ten benefits of mediation:
1. Mediation is voluntary, meaning both parties must agree to participate. This gives both sides a greater sense of control over the process and the outcome.
2. Mediation is confidential, which means that anything said during mediation cannot be used against either party in court. This creates a safe space for open communication and honest negotiation.
3. Mediation is informal, meaning there are no rules of evidence or procedure to follow. This allows for more flexibility and creativity in finding a resolution that works for both parties.
4. Mediation is private, which means that only the parties involved and the mediator(s) will know what was said during mediation. This can help reduce embarrassment or shame and allow both sides to feel comfortable sharing their true feelings and needs.
5. Mediation is speedy, which means that it can often take less time to resolve through mediation than other methods, such as litigation or arbitration. This can save time and money for both parties involved. For a quick divorce process, mediation is ideal.
6. Mediation is cost-effective, meaning it usually costs less to mediate a dispute than to litigate it in court. This can free up funds that can be used for other purposes, such as resolving the underlying dispute itself.
7. Mediation is flexible, which means that the process can be tailored to fit the specific needs of the parties involved and the particulars of the dispute itself. This allows for greater customization and greater chances of success.
8. Mediation is future-oriented, which means it focuses on finding a resolution that meets the needs of both parties going forward, rather than simply assigning blame or determining who was right or wrong in the past.
This orientation can help build goodwill and trust between the parties involved, which may be important if they need to continue working together in the future. I know a party whose teenage child wanted to live with a non-custodial parent though there was a court custody order. The problem was solved with mediation.
9. Mediation often results in higher satisfaction rates, like a prenup for both parties involved, than conflict resolution methods such as litigation or arbitration. This likely stems from the fact that mediated resolutions are reached through negotiation and agreement between the parties rather than being imposed from outside by a judge or arbitrator.
10. Finally, mediation can serve as a tool for prevention and resolution—parties who have learned how to mediate their disputes are more likely to resolve future conflicts on their own without needing to resort to outside assistance.
This saves time and money and can also help preserve relationships between parties who may need to continue working together in the future. All these factors make mediation an attractive option for those looking for an effective way to resolve conflicts.