By: Steve Lagoy
During a mediation, open discussions between both sides and the mediator are important elements of this process. But not all discussions happen with all parties present. Sometimes the most productive parts of mediation occur in private talks that are kept confidential by the mediator.
After the mediator has gathered information in the joint session with both parties in attendance, the private caucus serves as a less threatening way for each side to air its concerns. Once the mediator has a clear understanding of what the individual parties want to accomplish, he or she can then move back and forth between them with suggestions and proposals based on the information gathered from from each side in the confidential caucuses.
The mediator’s aim is to assist the parties to reach settlement on mutually terms, after determining the real interests of the parties through these in-depth conversations.
Mediation may take hours, days, or even months to resolve a dispute depending on its complexity. But a very positive statistic on mediations reveals that this form of conflict management leads to a resolution around 80 percent of the time.
If you would like to to utilize the services of one of our highly experienced mediators, call our West Chester office at 610-692-1371 or our Phoenixville office at 610-933-8069 today to set up an appointment.
References:
http://www.mediate.com/articles/steppj.cfm
http://www.pon.harvard.edu/daily/mediation/navigating-the-mediation-process/
