Critical Attributes of a Neutral: Quote #2

As a mediator, I encourage parties to keep an open-mind and to try and think about the issues in dispute from their adversary’s perspective. The goal being to have them realize that the issues aren’t as black and white (or right and wrong) as they would like to think. This enables the parties to move away from their posturing and start considering available solutions. But when one party simply won’t budge and refuses to see their adversary’s strengths and/or is blind to their own weaknesses, there is only so much a mediator can do, regardless of her talent. If one party can only see one right outcome, that often leaves little room for a negotiated agreement unless the other party agrees to bend to the will of the stubborn. As a mediator, that is not the outcome for which I strive. But even in those instances where an agreement is unavailable, the mediation hasn’t failed. Rather, it was an opportunity to learn—the takeaway may just be that it is not the right time for resolution.