This month's #TuesdayThoughts were : What are your thoughts on co-mediation?
The answers in the main were positive and thought provoking. For me, co-mediation requires finding another mediator who works in the same way as you yet brings additional expertise and skill. It is a difficult balance to strike!
Some thought that an experienced team of co-mediators can improve the efficiency of dealing with disputes involving more than two parties or where each party has multiple advisors as it reduces the chance of one mediator becoming overwhelmed.
Other comments included the fact that co-mediation allows for mediator - mediator reframing, and it works best when the mediators have different auxiliary competencies, such as a lawyer and a financial expert. this can help parties reflect and narrow the issues in dispute.
Cross border mediations and those identified to have cultural issues were said to benefit from co-mediation.
Good points were raised as to logistics such as discussing roles and responsibilities beforehand as well as using each other as a sounding board.
The main point which is essential is that they both have to be good at mediating! Sounds obvious but not always the case!
Thank you to everyone who took part in this month's discussion.
#unlockhorns
