For a mediator, success should relate to client satisfaction, not the end result.
We certainly strive towards parties involved in a conflict being satisfied on three levels:
Process Satisfaction – A clear and fair process
where reasonable opportunity is provided to develop mutual understanding of
each other’s perspective, concerns and interests.
Personal Satisfaction – Everyone is treated
respectfully and impartially.
Product Satisfaction – The final solution to a
conflict is just and equitable.
The role of a mediator is to never
impose a solution; therefore the outcome is
ultimately the choice of the parties. Our
primary role is to help parties reach the level of mutual understanding needed
for collaborative dialogue on the solution, to get to the root of the conflict, and dismantle any barriers to
reaching resolution. Thus we
have a hard time taking credit for results. We prefer to give the credit to God’s work in the parties’
hearts. His track record is 100%
if people will open their hearts to his leading.
From a statistical
standpoint, for the past two years over 80% of those who came to us for
assistance with their conflicts reached resolution. For those responding to our request for frank evaluation of
our services, approximately 70% shared they were satisfied on all levels.