GROUND RULES FOR
THE MEDIATION PROCESS
When I conduct mediation, I
review the following rules with the parties in order that the mediation process
moves along smoothly and minimizes antagonistic behavior. It is recommended that each party:
1. Attack the problems and concerns at hand. Do not
attack each other.
2. Avoid positions; rather express yourself in terms
of needs and interests
and the outcomes you would like to realize.
3. Work for what you believe is the most constructive
and fairest agreement
for both of you.
4. During settlement meetings, remember the following:
a. Do not interrupt when
the other party is speaking. You will have a
full and equal opportunity to speak on every issue
presented for discussion.
b. Do not use language that
blames or finds fault with the other. Use
non-inflammatory words. Be respectful of others.
c. Speak for yourself; make
“I” statements. Use each other’s first
names and avoid “he” or “she.”
d. If you share a
complaint, raise it as your concern and follow it up
with a constructive suggestion as to how it might be
resolved.
e. If something is not
working for you, please tell the mediator so your
concern can be addressed.
f. Listen carefully and try
to understand what the other is saying
without being judgmental
about the person or the message.