What Is Mediation?
In mediation an impartial third party assists parties who seek to find creative solutions that will resolve their dispute. The process often results in a negotiated agreement that details how parties will conduct their relationship in the future. Sometimes the process results in full restoration of the relationship—they achieve reconciliation.
In mediation parties determine the outcome. The mediator is not a judge who renders a verdict. A mediator facilitates the creative problem solving effort intended to resolve the conflict.
Why would I need mediation?
People who find themselves in conflict are often able sit down together and resolve their differences. This is the best approach to conflict resolution, if possible.
On occasion, however, parties require an impartial third party trained to facilitate as the parties seek to overcome barriers to resolution and reconciliation. There are types of conflict that cause impasse and thus require such outside assistance. Parties may be very skilled at working with others and they may have a good faith intention to work things out, but the nature of the conflict itself requires assistance from a third party.
Conflicts involving factors that make it impossible for two parties to come together on their own require mediation.
If you would like to discuss whether mediation is the correct process in your particular situation, please contact us at 818 889-0697 contact us ( contact form ) to arrange for a consultation.
Does mediation work?
Mediation has been shown to produce the highest level of satisfaction of all dispute resolution approaches.
Mediation does not result in resolution in 100% of cases. It does, however, result in resolution in a high percentage of cases.
Mediation has revolutionized the courts. In civil court less than 5% of cases filed now go to trial. A high percentage of those cases are settled with the help of a mediator.
Does mediation apply only in conflict that has reached the courts?
Mediation is not restricted to the “litigated case.” The process is appropriate in many different settings. Contact us to see if your particular situation is right for mediation.
It is best if mediation is convened before a conflict escalates into litigation; the potential savings in time and money can be significant. The probability of resolution is higher early in the life of the conflict. The more positions have hardened and the more money spent in litigation, the more difficult it is to reach a resolution.
How does Taming the Wolf mediation differ from other approaches?
We integrate the resources of faith into the process.
We engage in a spiritually transformative style of mediation.
We integrate spirituality with other personal resources a party brings to the process in an attempt to achieve a more satisfying resolution or a deeper reconciliation.
We believe conflict has a dual nature—it can bring either ruin and opportunity—and using the Taming approach is one way to optimize potential opportunity for growth.
Do all the parties involved need to express an interest in faith in order to participate?
Potential gains are more likely to be achieved if both parties enter the process with a mutual interest in matters of faith. However, such agreement regarding faith is not a prerequisite.
In some instances, a party may not realize they are applying a spiritual worldview to the problem. It may be something they discover during the process.
Often those who may not profess a faith also benefit from this more comprehensive approach to reconciliation. They discover they possess previously unexpressed concerns and views regarding spirituality.
Francis of Assisi was known as the Universal Brother. As our mentor he does not place restrictions on our ability to bring peace.
Who are the mediators affiliated with Taming the Wolf?
Mediator Greg Stone received a Masters in Dispute Resolution (MDR) from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at the Law School of Pepperdine University. He has mediated cases in the Los Angeles Superior Court in the Small Claims, Limited Jurisdiction, and General Jurisdiction Civil Court.
In the future we will train a number of mediators to deliver services for Taming the Wolf Institute in a spiritually transformative style. The Institute will be home to a panel of trained mediators who can be called on as third-party neutrals. Both lawyer-mediators and non-lawyer mediators will be available.
Specialized mediation services, focused on conflict unique to the faith and/or to the parish setting, will be available.
To discuss your specific situation, contact us through our contact form.
Is mediation only for individuals?
There are times when groups become embroiled in conflict with other groups.
In addition, there are specialized mediation techniques, such as learning conversations, that help groups suffering worldview conflict move past an impasse.
What should I do if I have a difficult time convincing the other party to participate?
The convening stage—getting to the table—can be one of the most difficult stages of conflict resolution. A mediator can assist with this stage, speaking with both parties individually to discuss how the process might benefit them. Often a mediator can convene mediation when the parties are unable to convene on their own.
If I need help understanding conflict resolution can a mediator help?
A mediator can serve as a conflict resolution coach.
If another mediator has been retained but you want additional education on the process, you can ask a mediator to coach you through the process. (See consultation.)
If you do not plan to participate in mediation but you wish to manage a conflict on your own, a mediator can act as a conflict resolution coach, imparting skills you will want to employ.
Taming the Wolf Institute mediators can coach you as you consider how you will apply your faith to ongoing conflict.
Does mediation cost money?
While you may be able to use a pro bono mediator in the courts for a limited number of hours, typically you will pay for mediation services. Most often parties split the fees.
Cost varies from case to case. Consult with the mediator after he or she has been briefed regarding your particular situation.
In most instances, mediation saves the parties considerable expense when compared to alternatives.
Mediation and Reconciliation Services
The following list highlights a few of the types of disputes we mediate.
- Disputes between individuals
- Business to business disputes
- Business vendor disputes
- Employment disputes
- Domestic relations or divorce
- Faith-based diplomacy
- Parish conflict
