Mediation resolves over 90% of conflicts voluntarily and agreements are often reached within a few hours, at a fraction of the cost of 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. The Center for Dispute Resolution's team of mediators can help resolve your disputes in the following ways:

 

• 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.