Conflicts are an unavoidable part of human relationships. They can both destroy and strengthen the bonds between people. Organizing and conducting mediation is an effective peaceful way to resolve conflicts, which helps strengthen relationships and preserve the dignity of each party.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a negotiation process that uses a special algorithm. During these negotiations, a neutral intermediary, known as a mediator, helps the parties resolve the conflict by providing communication and helping them find a mutually acceptable solution. The purpose of such negotiations is to resolve a conflict or dispute between two or more parties.
The mediator does not make decisions, but provides a structured and respectful dialogue, helping the parties to focus on finding a solution.
Our company “Prolex” employs trained mediators with extensive experience in resolving various conflict situations and pre-trial disputes:
- Mediation in family matters-we resolve family conflicts, such as divorces, division of property, disputes about the upbringing and guardianship of children, alimony and inheritance issues.
- Labor dispute mediation-we resolve conflicts between employers and employees (including former employees).
- Mediation in economic disputes-we help resolve economic disputes, significantly reducing the cost of the process for the parties compared to the consideration of economic claims in courts;
- Business mediation-we help you resolve conflicts in your business, including disputes with partners, employees, and clients.
- Neighborhood mediation-we resolve conflicts between neighbors related to border violations, noise, etc.
- Restorative mediation – we create conditions for restoring people’s ability to understand each other and agree on acceptable solutions to problems.
How the mediation process works
Negotiations with the mediator take place according to a certain algorithm.
- Introduction word
It all starts with the opening word of a mediator. In this introductory word (which lasts approximately 5-7 minutes), a mediator:
- Sets the basic rules for such negotiations.
- Creates predictability for the parties.
- Explains how it works.
- Explains the role of the mediator.
- Introduces the responsibility of the parties in such negotiations;
- Enters into a courtesy agreement.
- Informs the parties about the principles of such negotiations;
- Defines the time limit.
- Asks you to disable smartphones during the negotiation process.
- Determines the decision-makers (no other persons are allowed to participate in such negotiations – only the decision-makers on this issue).
- Presentation of the parties
After that, each party in turn talks about:
- What they came with;
- How they see the situation;
- What they want to get as a result of this situation.
This is the second stage, which is called the presentation of the parties. This stage also lasts approximately 5-7 minutes for both sides. At this stage, the mediator does not ask any unnecessary questions, does not ask about the history of the conflict situation, and does not learn any additional information. It only gives feedback to opponents in the form of echo technology.
- Discussion
After that, the next stage begins – the discussion. The goal of this stage is to “vent the emotions” of the parties. There are no other goals and objectives at this stage. At this stage, the agenda is not formed (because it is useless) and opponents at this stage are in emotions.
They can’t fix anything but their original positions here. Accordingly, no lasting agreements can be reached. Therefore, at this stage, emotions are exclusively “ventilated” and nothing more. The duration of this stage is approximately 10-15 minutes.
- The Caucus
To put it simply, this is an individual meeting with each side.
During these meetings, the mediator helps the parties:
- Understand your true interests.
- Formulate an agenda for future constructive negotiations;
- Search for solutions to issues on the agenda that are determined by the parties.
There may be several such meetings with each party. The time in such meetings is not limited (but, as a rule, about 30-40 minutes with one side, then with the other side). If the mediator needs it, he returns to the meeting with the first party. So he can alternate sides until they are both ready for joint constructive negotiations.
- Discussion 2
After face-to-face meetings, the “Discussion 2″stage begins. At this stage, the parties are already discussing the agenda. This agenda, as a rule, by this time both opponents already coincide. They discuss possible solutions.
- Agreement
If the parties come to any common understanding, then the next stage is an agreement. The mediator helps opponents formalize this agreement, prescribe all sanctions and guarantees. It ensures that the agreement is:
- Mutually beneficial;
- Mutually binding.
- Realistic.
- Executable;
- Has clear specific deadlines for execution.
- Has guarantees of its implementation.
- Completion of the mediation procedure
Finally, the final stage begins – the completion of the mediation procedure. This is the last stage, where the mediator checks the strength of the agreement reached and asks the parties 3 scaling questions:
- whether an agreement has been reached between the parties.
- what is their assessment of the mediator’s performance (receiving feedback from each party)?
- what is the level of satisfaction of the parties from the process and the final mediation agreement?
If there are any remaining contradictions, the mediator will finalize such an agreement.
This is a brief description of the steps involved in organizing and conducting mediation.
What are the advantages of mediation with “Prolex”?
We are a neutral and unbiased third party that plays a key role in the conflict resolution process:
- we will create a safe and comfortable environment where you and your opponents can openly and honestly discuss their problems (we will help reduce tension and fear of conflict).
- improve and promote constructive communication between the parties, and help them express their points of view and feelings without interrupting each other.
- promote mutual understanding, help opponents better understand each other’s positions, and identify common interests and needs (this will become the basis for finding mutually beneficial solutions).
- we will find alternative solutions and help the parties to consider various options for resolving the conflict, even those that they may not have considered before (this helps to find more satisfactory and long-term solutions).
- we will prepare and formulate a written agreement after reaching an agreement (this agreement will include details, terms and conditions that are binding on all parties).
Our professional mediators have been involved in resolving a variety of conflicts for many years, including family, business, labor, neighborhood and other conflicts. We provide mediation services focused on creating a trusting environment and finding agreed solutions.
Mediation with is:
- faster in timing and economically less costly decision than a court proceeding;
- maintaining important relationships, which is often impossible to achieve through the courts (which is especially important in family and business conflicts);
- confidential – all details of the mediation process remain confidential, which ensures privacy and trust.
If you are facing a conflict and are looking for a way to resolve it in a peaceful and respectful way, please contact us. Our professional mediators will provide support and assistance at every stage to achieve harmony and justice.
