Mediation is a valuable tool for resolving conflicts and finding solutions that are acceptable to all parties. However, for the mediation process to be successful, it’s important to follow a set of guidelines. Here are some tips to help you have a productive and successful mediation meeting.
- Recognize the emotions involved: Mediation is a meeting with your spouse or former partner to discuss the most important issues in you and your children’s lives. It’s important to acknowledge that this can be an emotional process.
- Address what’s important to you: Make sure you communicate your needs and interests, as well as what you would like to achieve in the mediation.
- Communicate effectively: To ensure effective communication, it’s important to break away from patterns of communication that haven’t been successful in the past.
- Speak one at a time: In online mediation, make sure to speak one at a time and avoid interrupting others.
- Use first names and “I” statements: Refer to the other individual by their first name and use “I” statements to focus on what’s important to you.
- Focus on the future: The goal of mediation is to move forward and focus on what’s important to you, rather than dwelling on the past.
- Work together: Both parties hold the key to a successful settlement, so it’s important to work together toward a solution that benefits everyone.
- Focus on the problem, not the person: The focus should be on resolving the problems and questions that need to be addressed, rather than blaming the other person.
Remember, even if the other party is to blame for everything, that doesn’t help you reach a settlement. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your mediation meeting is productive and successful.
