about med

Mediation Process

Mediation is a process in which disputing parties are helped to attempt to work out a mutually agreeable solution to a difficult situation. Usually the focus is on the future rather than the past and the final result rarely is determined by technicalities but rather by practicalities and mutually meeting the basic interests of all parties.

It is confidential, flexible and above all is self-determinative on the part of the parties -- a mediator does not decide who is right/wrong or what should be done, but instead uses his training to help the parties come to an agreement. For information more oriented to the mechanics of mediations look in the FAQ section.

How does it work?

Like many mediators, George uses a mix of techniques appropriate to the circumstances but primarily centered on a facilitative approach to mediation in which he is neither attempting to transform your whole relationship nor is he telling the parties who's right and how it "should" come out.

Mediation techniques include:

	Reframing issues in a manner that may make them less inflammatory to one of the parties.
	Prioritizing issues with the parties.
	Can't rebalance power, can rebalance speaking time.
	Making the problem, not the people, the problem.
	Working to help the parties "expand the pie" and look at possible mutual future business dealings.
	Candid, confidential discussions with each side in separate caucus meetings.
	Keeping parties apart and shuttling between them to help the parties hear each other.
	Keeping the parties together so that they can hear each other.
	Helping each party analyze the weakness on their own side (not always easy to see for yourself).
	Being in an environment set up by a trained, optimistic, neutral party in confidential meetings with decision makers.