Deciding on Mediation: Key Questions to Consider

Evaluating mediation as a conflict resolution method involves considering several key questions. Reflecting on these can prepare you for the mediation process and help determine if it's the right choice for you. Click on each category below to review the questions to consider.

Mediation and Alternative Conflict Resolution

• Alternatives: What other conflict resolution options are available, and how do they compare to mediation?

• Flexibility: Can I try mediation and still pursue other methods later?

• Justice: Do I need formal justice or punishment through the court system?

• Accountability: Do I need the other party to be held accountable, and what does that look like?

• Court vs. Mediation: What would I gain from going to court instead of mediation?

• Early Resolution: How could early conflict resolution benefit the situation?

• Third-Party Help: Would a neutral third-party help me gain clarity on my needs and wants?

• Mediation Goals: Can mediation achieve my desired outcomes, or should I look elsewhere?

Your Conflict Resolution Goals

• Resolution Needs: What do I really need and want from the resolution?

• Understanding: What is important for the other party to understand about this conflict?

• Information: What information do I need from the other party to better understand the conflict?

• Alternatives: If I choose another method, will it provide the understanding I seek?

• Being Heard: How important is it for me to tell my side and be heard?

• Listening: Am I willing to actively listen to the other party’s perspective?

• Respect: Can I commit to a respectful conversation focused on future resolution?

Future Resolution Considerations

• Future Involvement: How much future involvement do I need or want with the other party?

• Relationship: How do I want my relationship with the other party to be?

• Communication: How do I want to communicate in the future?

• Behavior Changes: What would I change about my past behavior, and what can I commit to doing differently?

• Other Party's Handling: How would I have liked the other party to handle the situation?

• Expectations: What do I expect from the other party in the future, and how can I communicate these expectations?

Logistics and Planning 

• Self-Expression: What do I need to express myself in a difficult conversation?

• Safety: How can I ensure physical, psychological, or emotional safety, and which methods provide this?

• Support: Do I want or need to bring someone with me, like an attorney or friend? Which options allow for this?

• Budget: What is my budget for resolving this conflict?

• Emotional Tolerance: How much face-to-face conflict can I handle?

• Time Commitment: How much time am I willing and able to spend resolving this conflict?