Third parties can be useful in conflicts involving sensitive information. They can serve as fact finders. They can also handle information that the parties are not willing to reveal directly to each other. Mediators may be helpful in resolving disagreements within a party, and so in keeping constituencies unified and supportive. When negotiation progress is stalled, mediators can draw on their conflict management skills to suggest alternative procedures which will get the negotiations moving again.
Mediators employ seven basic skills.
First, they analyze conflicts to identify the issues and stakeholders. Second, the mediator develops a strategy or program to address the conflict. Generally a mediator works with the parties to define their goals and develop a process for reaching those goals. Third, mediators create a system of communication between the parties. Fourth, mediators manage the negotiation process and guide the parties through it.