Mediation
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process that allows two parties in conflict to find a resolution to their issue with the aid of a trained, neutral professional. Mediation is highly preferred over lawyers, courts, and the legal system. In the "traditional" system, you as a party in conflict give up all your power. You give it to your lawyer, to the judge, and potentially even to a jury. With mediation, you retain all your power to negotiate an agreement. And if that's not reason enough, mediation is almost always the cheaper alternative, too.
Mediation is all about conflict resolution, not just conflict management. In the work setting, this means not just separating the two parties, having separate discussions, entering reports in an HR file, or ultimately terminating an employee. It means bringing the parties together and having a real conversation. You'd be surprised what comes up, and what can come out of it. Conflict management is about avoiding the conflict. But it's still there, and the parties are still aggrieved. Conflict resolution means actually resolving the underlying conflict, and healing the connection.
In cities, neighborhoods, and communities conflict is usually a result of some harm done; by one person, onto another person. Law enforcement officers and other legal professionals are usually involved. Understand that you have a right to have your issue mediated. Even if the municipality or government lays charges and pursues that path, there is still an opportunity for mediation and reconciliation. Bringing perpetrator and victim together, acknowledging the harm, recognizing the humanity in BOTH parties, and resolving a path forward is a powerful way to heal the connections within community.