Dan Stein Family Mediation
=====================================================
Dan Stein, MS | 2225 Hayes Street, Eugene, OR
97405 | 541-344-7068
Why Mediate?
Mary Forst,
from whom I took my Basic Mediation training in Portland, OR, lists on
her website, www.confluencecenter.com,
some good reasons to mediate:
"You don't have to do it alone. A neutral third party, the mediator, whose expertise is working with conflict, is there to guide the process.
The process is safe. Differences can be discussed and acknowledged in a safe environment.
You (and your adversary) learn to communicate better. Communication and problem solving can be improved, leading to more thoughtful outcomes that take everyone's needs into consideration.
Relationships are preserved. Mediation values important working relationships. They are often improved and strengthened as conflicts are worked through.
The process is confidential. Mediation offers more protection for privacy and confidentiality than more public methods.
You maintain control. Control of the outcome remains with the people in conflict. Since people create solutions for themselves, they are more likely to carry them out."
Another mediator, who has written extensively and insightfully on mediation is Ken Cloke, from the Center for Dispute Resolution, in Santa Monica, CA. On his website, www.kencloke.com, he has this to say about mediation:
"Mediation resolves over 90% of conflicts voluntarily, and agreements are often reached within a few hours, at a fraction of their cost in legal fees. Mediation helps parties let go of their conflicts, reconcile, work better as a team, and get on with their lives. Resolving conflict stimulates growth, personal and organizational learning, better communication, trust, improved relationships and opportunities for positive change. [Mediation] can help resolve your disputes by:
- Informally identifying the concrete problems that need resolution;
- Confidentially surfacing and resolving emotional issues that interfere with agreement;
- Guiding discussion so that people and issues do not become polarized;
- Bringing out common interests;
- Reducing bitterness, hostility, anger and resistance;
- Developing visions, values, goals and options for mutual gain;
- Involving parties in collaborative problem solving and planning;
- Empowering participants to create their own solutions;
- Preserving personal dignity and respect so that agreements last;
- Encouraging clear, confidential communication and teamwork;
- Preventing future conflicts through conflict systems design techniques."
