The mediators will guide the problem solving process and the parties will decide if and how to resolve the dispute. Most parties do want things to be better and are motivated to improve their working relationship and interactions. Offer to explain what you want and why that is important to you. Imagine working with the other person on possible ways to resolve the issues and concerns that both of you have identified. Mediation can help you to find creative solutions to conflicts.
Mediation often results in agreements that improve the parties' work experience.
So much of the day is spent in work, and having a more constructive work experience certainly benefits you and others. Many people prefer finding and making their own solution to their unique work conflict over having someone else tell them what they must do. When people create their own solutions, they are more likely to honor the terms of their agreement than when a decision is imposed upon them. In mediations where the parties do not reach agreement, they frequently comment on having a much better understanding of the situation and each other, and they often are willing to sit down in the future to re-visit the situation. Should the mediation not result in a resolution by the parties, all procedural UNM grievance and legal options remain open to the parties.