 Lisode uses conflict mediation often within larger processes such as the participatory drawing up of water management plans or during organizational change processes. Sometimes, however, we are requested to come in only for mediation. Essential for an effective mediators – such as also for a facilitator – is their attitude. A mediator usually starts his work in a conflict situation. In this situation the mediator’s role is to be a neutral party that helps all antagonists to clearly and acceptably express their interests and thus move beyond entrenched positions towards solutions. As conflict situations have a tendency to “heat up” a mediator should know how to defuse these.
A “classical” mediation process follows these steps:
- Situation analysis and clarification of objectifs (including agenda setting)
- Understanding the needs and interests of each party
- Exploring possible solutions
- Negotiating solutions
- Planifying to implement solutions
- Process evaluation
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