Apology in Mediation: Effective Negotiation tool
A simple apology—without admission of liability or fault—can go far to ease tension and promote goodwill in a mediation or negotiation setting. Although rarely used and often misconstrued, when done appropriately and sincerely, they can help effectuate fast, fair settlements.
What does mediation have in common with love? Well, according to one definition, "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
When I started training to be a mediator, though, I was taught thatmediation involved something different. "Mediation" was supposed to be a Camelot of conflict resolution! A forum where contentiously behaving people could come for a therapeutic sprinkling of pixie dust! Apotheotic apologies for the asking, forgive and forget, kiss and make up, live happily ever after!