There is a good reason that mediators often fail to help parties progress through the resolution cycle during the process of mediation. Many mediators are unaware of the resolution cycle. The reason that many mediation and negotiation professionals are unaware of the cycle is because it is easy to miss witnessing the entire chain of emotions and mental states that the parties are experiencing, especially when dealing with sophisticated clients or in formal settings. It is easy to fail to realize that it is a repeating cycle that is common to life. In a formal setting, the parties have generally finished with shock and denial by the time they have hired attorneys.
Anger is controlled and fear or guilt hidden in the formal presence of a third party.
As a result, all many mediators often see during mediation is a slice from a day in the journey towards resolution. A cross-disciplinary approach that recognizes that this cycle is present in many negotiation settings can aid the mediator or facilitator. By being aware, those who guide parties in alternative dispute resolution can work through not only the legal and resource issues, but the human matters as well. An alert mediator can then help the parties in preparing to deal with the emotional issues inherent in conflict and in seeking true resolution and acceptance.