The goal of mediation is to solve conflicts. Mediation does this by melding arbitration and negotiation. Like an arbitration, an independent party (the mediators) are present to guide the disputants through a process to resolve any conflicts. However, like negotiations the end agreement is totally determined by the disputants only. The mediator does not try to influence what the disputants do in the end, rather they guide them through a communication process.
1. Introductions
2. Rules and Roles
3. Fact Gathering
4. Sharing emotions and impacts
5. Determining a solution
6. Writing a solution and closure
7. (optional) Follow-up sessions