Why does MEDIATION make SMALL BUSINESS sense?

Mediation enables YOU, the interested party, to be the decision-maker. The mediator acts as a guide and facilitates your communications with the other individuals involved. The end result is a WIN-WIN contractual resolution of your disagreement.

To illustrate, consider an employer/employee dispute over an employee's termination. In that situation, the business owner may be more concerned with confidentiality, legal costs, and lost time away from his/her business. The employee usually is more concerned with compensation and the specific terms of the "termination." Through mediation, the parties might agree to enter into a confidentiality agreement, with the employee agreeing not to file a lawsuit and the employer agreeing to the "resignation," rather than the termination of the employee with some form of compensation and a letter of reference. In contrast, in arbitration and litigation, someone unfamiliar with your situation controls the process and finds for a "winner" and against a "loser."

Mediation enables you to be creative and discuss your situation freely and at your convenience. It is highly flexible and saves you time and money. Mediations can be held at your