How to Know When Mediation is Useful in Resolving Conflicts

There's no doubt that mediation can be useful in resolving conflict; however, many disputing parties allow disagreements to escalate beyond manageable proportions because they are unaware of the benefits of using a neutral third party to help them come to a mutually agreeable solution. A determination of whether or not to use mediation should not depend upon the reason for the conflict, but be based on the disputing parties' desire to make changes and take the steps necessary to resolve it. Here's how you can know when mediation is useful in resolving conflicts.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Consider mediation if the disputing parties know each other, live together or one or both of them would like to maintain the relationship. If they are in a work relationship and there are reasons why the conflict cannot be avoided, then mediation can be useful.

2. Contemplate using mediation when strong emotion exists which makes the conflict extremely difficult to resolve-especially if one party is uncomfortable with confrontation unless someone unrelated to the conflict is present.

3. Intervention by a neutral third party can be helpful if many people are involved or affected by the conflict, or the disputing parties doubt their own ability to resolve the issues.

4. Use mediation when one or both parties desire to avoid more formal proceedings like divorce or other legal action; but it should not be used if it would be better for a disputing party to use the court system.

5. Consider mediation when it is urgent that a decision be made.

6. Mediation is not always appropriate and could be harmful or ineffective in the following cases:
   
   a) When disputing parties are too upset, unwilling to listen to each other or refuse to participate in any attempts to resolve the issue.
   
   b) When the conflict deserves public attention so that a systemic issue is uncovered (e.g. sexual or racial harassment).
   
   c) When the motives of one or both disputing parties are at question or they try to manipulate the mediation process for their own benefit or to use as ammunition against each other.

Resources

• 31 Ways to Make Your Work Relationships Succeed