Yes, mediation makes sense! That is a clear answer, but I will explain it briefly.
Participants in a mediation process start with an expectation. They want to achieve something with the process. What someone wants to achieve differs from person to person. This means that the motives for participating in mediation also differ. If you don't know what moves you, how do you know where you want to go? A mediation that ends without an agreement still provides valuable information about the motives of the participants.
From positions to interests and possible solutions
In a mediation process, points of view are exchanged. Often these points of view have already been exchanged before the mediation starts, but this exchange has not led to a solution. Therefore, a different perspective is needed. The mediator helps the participants to express their needs and interests to each other. What is it all about? What is important and why? Once the needs and interests become clear, it can be seen that there is an overlap somewhere.
There is always a common interest (overlapping aspect, e.g. safe upbringing of a child) or a common need (the need is the same, but the needs are parallel and do not overlap, e.g. financial security after a break-up). As soon as there is more clarity on this, possible solutions can be discussed. If the parties find a solution that they both agree on, the outcome can be set down in an agreement.
Mediation without results
Sometimes there is a (temporary) lack of possibilities to find a solution that the participants can all support. Even if a mediation does not succeed, for whatever reason, the participants will have a better understanding of what motivates them and the other.
As soon as the fog lifts, the road becomes visible and you yourself have more control over the path you choose. Mediation therefore makes sense, even if the result is still some time in the future.
Want to know more about how we mediate? Then contact Rebecca Weisz-Hertsworm and Fabrizia de Wit-Facchetti.
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