In all possible contexts and relationships, contradictions and differences exist and conflicts can arise: between neighbours, business partners, partners, suppliers, with customers, with financiers, between tenants and landlords, you name it.
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Usually, collaborations run smoothly, but sometimes they go wrong. The relationship and trust can come under pressure, collaborations are terminated, uncertainty can arise, focus on what is important can fade into the background and possible economic damage becomes real.
Recognisable?
Conflicts carry a paradox: they seem to separate us, but they also keep us connected, albeit in a destructive way.
However, mediation gives us the opportunity to deal differently with our differences, our antagonisms and our energy-consuming conflicts.
Mediation saves time, energy and money.
Mediation can make a big difference here. As always, the earlier the signals are picked up the better. Mediation methods can be used both preventively and curatively, saving a lot of time, energy and money. Mediation is a confidential and voluntary process.
As a mediator, I act as a catalyst with the people involved and enable them to look for sustainable solutions.
As a neutral, impartial and independent third party, I take an unprejudiced attitude towards each person. I do what is necessary to make it possible for each person to listen sincerely to the other and to say what is necessary to solve the conflict.
I support the people involved in breaking the deadlock, accepting each other's differences, and understanding each other's needs and interests.
How does a mediation work?
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1. Preliminary non-binding discussion
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During a non binding conversation with all the persons involved (online or in person):
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I explain my role and further assess whether an amicable settlement is possible,
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I explain the principles of mediation (voluntary, confidential, structured process, etc.) and the possible participation of third parties (experts, lawyers, etc.),
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We discuss a possible plan of action (e.g. advantages and disadvantages of several shorter sessions or half-day sessions, online or at a neutral location, corona measures, documents and information needed for the mediation, etc.).
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2. Preparation of an offer and signing of the protocol
3. Start of the mediation ​
The mediation process consists of several steps which flow into each other during the mediation sessions.
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Mapping the problem and the desired goal
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the problem and the different issues at stake are identified,
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the different points of view are explained by each person,
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the common problem is defined.
Evolving from viewpoints to interests
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the interests, concerns, values, priorities of each person are made visible,
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a dialogue is conducted about which interests are parallel, compatible, or opposing,
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desires are formulated about the future and how each person wants to/could see the future.
Creative movement from options to solutions to a sustainable agreement
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the creativity of each person is called upon to generate as many options or lines of thought as possible,
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a dialogue is conducted on the options that can contribute to concrete solutions with as much value as possible for each person,
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the participants identify and test the solutions that could form a sustainable agreement,
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the mediation agreement is signed
Finally, the advantages of mediation:
Time efficiency: most problems can usually be solved in a few sessions (1h30 to 2h or half days) spread over a few weeks (depending on availability). If desired, a mediation can be organised both physically and digitally and 24/7.
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Cost-effectiveness: tackling a problem saves time, energy and money compared to letting it lie dormant. The costs of a mediation are also significantly lower than those of legal proceedings.
You own the solution: instead of letting a third party decide, for example a judge, who does not know you, your family or your company, you and the other persons involved work on a solution yourselves, you are usually the 'expert' of your own problem and often have a good view on what works and what does not, which makes a multidimensional approach of the conflict possible. 70% to 80% of mediations result in an agreement.
Respect for the relationship: mediation allows you to deal with the existing relationship in the best possible way. It allows you to continue having or to (re)build an open and constructive relationship with the other(s). Mediation also allows you to end the relationship in a respectful way.
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Sustainable solutions: mediation contains all the ingredients to reach sustainable and creative agreements focused on the future and adapted to the individual situation of the people involved.
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Voluntary process: each participant is free to mediate and can leave the table at any time.
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Confidential process: each participant and the mediator are bound by confidentiality. Mediation also allows a problem to be addressed discretely.