By Juan Diego Mata
Mediation is gaining ground as an effective way to resolve conflicts, but its true potential depends on how the mediator puts its general principles into practice. Knowing the regulations is not enough; it is essential to convey to the public that mediation is useful, safe, and reliable. Therefore, the mediator must learn to communicate these principles clearly so that society understands them and perceives them as a real advantage over other methods.
The principle of voluntariness can be one of the most powerful tools for promoting mediation. Explaining it clearly means emphasizing that no one is obligated to continue if they don't feel comfortable. The mediator can present it as a pressure-free space where the parties retain control. This builds trust and reduces the fear of "losing" or being subjected to an external decision. The freedom to enter and leave the process is, in itself, a guarantee.
Many people are afraid to discuss their problems for fear of the consequences. Therefore, confidentiality should be a key argument for encouraging its use. The mediator can explain that what is discussed in the session will not be published, communicated, or used against either party. This principle makes mediation a protected environment, ideal for addressing sensitive issues—family, business, or community-related—without reputational or legal risk.
Citizens don't always fully understand these concepts. It's crucial to clarify that the mediator doesn't take sides, offer opinions, or impose solutions. Their role is to facilitate communication and balance the conversation so that both parties have a voice. Here, the mediator can leverage their professional training, technical skills, and ethical duty to remain neutral. Trust in the mediator is built through professionalism and transparency.
This principle may seem abstract, but the mediator can translate it into concrete actions: listening without interrupting, avoiding insults, and seeking possible solutions. Good faith is not a general moral obligation, but rather a minimum requirement for working together. If the mediator succeeds in getting both parties to adopt a constructive attitude, the process will not only be faster and more effective, but will also leave a positive impression of mediation as a useful tool.
Mediation doesn't replace the will of the parties; it empowers it. The agreement doesn't come "from above," but from those in conflict. Conveying this idea is fundamental. For many people, it represents an opportunity to be heard and to regain control over their own problem. When the mediator reinforces this idea, mediation ceases to be seen as a mere formality and becomes a genuine opportunity for resolution.
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