Frequently Asked Questions
What is mediation?
Conflict is a normal part of our lives. Mediation is one way to address conflict in a stress-free way. Mediation is a voluntary discussion between two or more parties utilizing a third party to work toward a mutual resolution. Designed to maximize each party’s needs, restore relationships, and increase productive work environments, mediation provides a safe, confidential, and solution-focused process that preserves the dignity of each participant.

Why do companies use mediation?
Companies use mediation in order to create effective work environments. Mediation or a “guided discussion” provides a forum to discuss concerns between parties, co-workers and employees. Research demonstrates that workplace satisfaction is improved when the environment has less interpersonal conflict. Some of the other reasons why companies use mediation is if ...

• Colleagues seek a quick resolution
• Colleagues seek to avoid a formal process (court, involve management, etc)
• Colleagues cannot fix the problem on their own

When is mediation useful?
Mediation is most useful when parties understand what mediation is and what mediation is not. Mediation is not judging, evaluating, telling, or suggesting. True mediation is a simple process that requires that ...

• Parties are willing to talk to one another
• Parties have an on-going relationship or shared workplace expectations
• Parties need closure or greater understanding

What types of conflicts can be mediated?
Conflicts are an inevitable part of our lives at home and work. In a typical work week, employees spend more hours at the workplace than with their own families. Workplace conflicts can have a ripple effect on our personal lives, and most certainly with those we must work with, so addressing the conflicts (even small ones!) in a safe, private, and facilitated discussion can be helpful. Here are a few examples of “mediatable” conflicts:

• Unclear roles & job expectations
• Personal disputes
• Misinformation
• Offensive behaviors

What types of conflicts cannot be mediated?

• Values, beliefs, or worldviews
• When the conflict deserves public scrutiny
• If the parties are unable to negotiate
• If one or more parties is not willing to negotiate
• Parties have ulterior motives

What if I have “tried everything”?
This is a common response and believe it or not, most folks say they have tried a myriad of ways to address the issue (avoiding the problem because s/he “won’t change anyway”; talking to the other party; “hinting”; having others run interference; etc). But the specific methodology used by the Forte Mediation Programme is designed to allow each party to have a trained neutral to assist both parties in a clear, objective, and professional guided discussion.

How can mediation help me?
You know how you feel when you are in conflict, and you know the sense of relief when a conflict is over….think about how much easier it is to have a trained professional help convey your needs, positions, and interests to the other party without generating more misunderstanding.

What makes is the Forté Mediation Programme Different?
Most mediators use traditional methods of the conflict resolution process to assist parties in a resolution. Best-Practice mediators spend significant time exploring, reflecting and applying a myriad of communication tools that enhance the strategies used at the table in order to reach resolution. Utilizing the strengths of the Forte profiles, the programme is uniquely different in that these profiles are used to assist in the discussions. Unlike “controlled administrators” of some more complex temperament programs, Forte is statistically validated and it brings technology and the human heart together for maximum results!

Success Rate of Forté Mediation?
“Success rate” in mediation has long been a topic for discussion. Success in mediation can be as much about having “new understandings” as to how the resolution of the conflict evolves into new behaviors & outcomes. Previous feedback and survey results indicate over 93% of our mediated sessions have been deemed successful by both parties!

How do I access the Forté Mediation Programme?
Simply call our office to inquire 1-800-633-8518.

How much does the Forté Mediation Programme cost?
Rates are based on the expected amount of time needed for intake, administrative preparation and actual mediation time. Multi-party conflicts, and travel can add to the bottom line. Most customers have found that a little expense upfront actually saves time and money to resolve workplace conflicts by other means (litigation, unpleasant work environments, etc).

Who gets a copy of the mediated agreement?
Because mediation is not litigation, the process is less formal though certainly no less effective. The Forte Institute contends mediation and conflict management training is much more effective because it takes into account the human factor of how people process and adapt to others. Best practice in mediation speaks to having “only the parties at the mediation” receive copies of their agreement. So your outcome remains between you and the other party. Your company requirements may vary, or parties may choose to share their agreement with a Supervisor, but those choices are made up front.

What if I already have a Forte Profile?
Great! If you have already taken a profile, that means you are somewhat familiar with the accuracy of our surveys and what motivates (and demotivates) work colleagues. We will simply use an updated Adaptibility Profile that reflects the last 30 days so we are briefed with what’s been affecting current profiles.

What if my company does not currently use the Forte System?
Not a problem…your Forte mediator can assist you with obtaining a Forte survey and you may have it as a gift from us (a $31.98 value) just for using the Forte Mediation Programme. You will be amazed at the survey’s accuracy and its format!

What if I don’t want to use the mediation process?
As a Best Practice Mediation Programme©, the mediation practitioners recognize that each persons needs will vary. Some conflict participants are simply not ready to negotiate, while others just like the idea of ongoing conflict drama. Because Forte values the dignity of each participant, we can only offer our services, its up to you from there.

My manager has requested that I go to mediation with a work colleague- what can I expect?
Forte supports a voluntarily approach to mediation (parties come willingly to the table on their own). Periodically, employees are asked by management or HR departments to “attempt mediation”. This is done in an effort to gently guide conflict participant to have a discussion about the nature of their conflict (management typically does this when the interpersonal conflict has spilled over into the workplace and it is affecting others in the workplace). The Forte mediator will give you a call and take about 45 minutes to discuss your desired outcomes, any background information and any details that you feel are important for the mediator to know. The mediation session typically lasts no more than two hours, and because it is work-related discussions, you are not typically docked any worktime. Some mediations can be held off-site at a neutral location if parties desire.

How can I become a Forté Mediator?
Due to the exclusive nature of the Mediators currently at the Forté Institute, the Mediation Programme is not currently accepting new mediator applications. However, we periodically need Advanced Practitioners who have expertise in the mediation field and with a variety of mediation arenas.