Drawing upon the insight of experienced mediators, the authors then explore in greater detail ten practices which mediators employ to promote these transformative goals. The essay concludes with a brief discussion of the usefulness of the authors' work in describing these practices. The Goals of Transformative Mediation Two main goals of transformative mediation are to empower the disputing parties, and to enhance each party's recognition of the other. Recognition and empowerment are then key concepts in the theory of transformative mediation. Successful mediation should enhance the parties' capacity for self- determination.
Transformative mediation tries to enhance each party's responsiveness to others.
These goals reflect two basic premises of transformative mediation theory. First, the authors claim that mediation is more than just a tool for settling disputes. Mediation has the potential to produce valuable transformations in the character of the participants. That is, participation in the mediation process has the potential to make individuals more empowered and responsive to others. Hallmarks of Transformative Practice One hallmark of effective transformative mediation is that the mediator describes her role and objectives in terms of empowerment and recognition.