Each party is willing to listen to the other with an open mind. Each party is willing to consider moving from his or her original position, and consider other possible solutions to the problem. The process is broken up into five stages or steps. Mediation may flow smoothly through the stages, or may shift back and forth in middle stages as issues are addressed. 1 Mediator gives opening statement .
Mediator sets the tone for the entire session.
Ground rules are established. Mediator builds trust. Explore issues and find out what the dispute is about. Parties are allowed to vent and explain their point of view and hear each other. Parties identify the issues they need to talk about.