Business mediation is a method to help resolve conflict in a business setting. As a neutral third party, a mediator helps parties see things from another perspective that isn't emotionally invested, giving parties unbiased guidance on how to see things from all perspectives. It can help with matters in: 

• Employee disputes.
• Contract negotiations.
• Leasing and property disputes.
• Supplier disputes.
• Contractor disputes.
• Franchise disputes.

And more. 

Mediation is a structured process with a trained, third-party, known as a mediator. As an independent person, a mediator can help parties identify and assess agreements to help resolve a dispute or conflict. They do not make a decision for either party. It is an alternative to court.

Some of the top mistakes you should avoid in mediation include:

• Not keeping an open mind. You're here to find a solution that works for both parties.
• Refusing to be flexible. For the matter to be resolved, both parties will need to agree, which may involve you or the other party moving on their original idea.
• Giving up too early. Mediation may take a few sessions to find an outcome that works for both parties. 
• Withholding information. The purpose of mediation is to settle matters out of court, so withholding information for a court process is counterintuitive to the solution.
• Making it personal. Avoid making personal attacks on the other person and focus on the mutual interest in a resolution.
• Showing up without decision makers. The people who need to make the decision on the outcome need to be present to be productive.

Keeping an open mind, using empathy to see things from the other perspective and remembering why you're using mediation will help you use the process to its full benefit.

The key pros of mediation include being able to settle matters out of court, helping you save time, money and stress. It also gives you greater control of the outcome, rather than leaving the decision up to a judge. However, the cons of mediation include you can't guarantee a resolution through mediation if both parties do not agree, it may be difficult to enforce an outcome and it can take time, depending on the complexity of the matter. Using a professional mediation will help you get the most out of the process.

A good example of mediation includes a neighbourhood dispute over dividing fences or trees on adjoining properties, or a dispute over a contract between a business and a commercial property manager. Mediation can be used for all types of disputes to help parties attempt to find a resolution out of court.