10 Essential Things You Need for Successful Mediation: A Participant's Guide - Part 2

Continuing on from my previous post, here are the remaining 5 things you need to consider when going into mediation.I want to share the things you need to know and do to make your mediation experience successful.

6. Embrace Creative Problem-Solving

Come to mediation with an open mind about possible solutions. The most successful mediations often produce outcomes that neither party originally envisioned. Be willing to brainstorm options without immediately judging them. Consider what matters most to you versus what you might be flexible about. This mindset shift—from rigid positions to exploring possibilities—can unlock resolution when nothing else works.

7. Think Critically About Risks and Options

As mediation progresses, you'll need to evaluate options realistically. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of your position, and be honest with yourself about potential outcomes if mediation fails. What are your alternatives? What costs—financial, emotional, and time—might those alternatives involve? Critical thinking helps you make informed decisions rather than choices driven purely by emotion or unrealistic expectations.

8. Focus on Workable Agreements

The goal of mediation isn't necessarily to get everything you want, but to reach an agreement that addresses your core needs and that you can live with moving forward. Think about what makes an agreement sustainable for your situation. Sometimes the most effective agreements include mechanisms for handling future disagreements or unexpected circumstances. Focus on clarity and practicality in any final agreement.

9. Listen to Persuasive Perspectives

Be open to persuasion from the mediator, the other party, or even your own counsel. This doesn't mean abandoning your interests, but rather considering fresh perspectives that might shift your understanding of the situation. Good mediators will help all parties see the dispute from multiple angles, which often reveals new pathways to resolution that weren't previously visible.

10. Practice Persistence

Mediation can be challenging and sometimes frustrating. There may be moments when walking away seems easier than continuing the conversation. Remember that breakthrough often comes after difficulty. Commit to staying engaged in the process, even when progress seems slow. As long as there's good-faith participation from all sides, persistence frequently leads to resolution.

Final Thoughts

The most important mind shift in mediation is moving from seeing the other party as an opponent to viewing them as a partner in problem-solving. You don't have to like them or agree with them—you simply need to work together to find a solution that allows everyone to move forward.

Successful mediation participants approach the process with preparation, openness, emotional intelligence, and a genuine commitment to resolution. By embracing these ten essentials, you position yourself for the best possible outcome from your mediation experience.