The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

BEING A MEDIATOR / 447

ENCOURAGE SELF-

DETERMINATION

Ensure that the disputing parties

recognize their differences and know

that their participation in the mediation

process is voluntary and they are free

to leave at any time.

GIVE OWNERSHIP

Let the disputing parties

know that they must take

responsibility for the

conflict and for its

resolution, and are

expected to identify

the issues and engage

creatively in solving

the conflict.

REMAIN NEUTRAL

Ensure that you remain

neutral and help to facilitate

the mediation process,

rather than actively trying to

influence the outcomes of

the conflict. ADVOCATE

CONFIDENTIALITY

Make it clear to all parties

that the mediation process

is confidential. Disputing

parties are only likely to share

important information if they

believe that the mediator is

neutral and trustworthy.

USE AN INTEGRATIVE

APPROACH

Try to understand the interests of

each of the disputing parties, and

help them reach an integrative

(win–win) resolution that they

would both find acceptable.

KEEP THE GOAL IN MIND

Always remember that the aim of mediation

through integrative negotiation is not to

achieve absolute justice, but to develop

options and find the most workable and

satisfactory option.

Principles of effective mediation

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