Mediation is a voluntary form of dispute resolution designed to help disputants reach their own mutually acceptable solutions. The mediators work closely with the parties to identify interests underlying each party’s claim and to explore possible solutions. More specifically, mediators facilitate the parties’ movement from positions to interests, interests to options, and options to solutions.

The mediators do not have authority to decide an the outcome for the disputants, although they can be directive in their approach, but can assist the parties in identifying options and alternatives. Assisting parties rarely requires the mediator to determine exactly what happened between the parties. If the parties seem overly concerned with the facts or the truth, a mediator might say: “We’re not here to decide exactly what happened. We’re not judges. We’re here to try to help the two of you reach an agreement that you both think is fair."

A mediator’s neutrality is essential to successful mediation. The confidence that parties have in the fairness of the process and the impartiality of the mediator can translate directly into a greater willingness to generate options and agree on a solution. 360 Enhancers Corporation as neutral mediators are more likely to facilitate agreements defined by the parties. There are certain kinds of differences that can lend themselves to agreement: differences in interests, value placed on time, forecasts, and aversion to risk. Helping the parties to be specific in these areas can help them come to an agreement.