When business partners disagree, their conflict sometimes escalates into disputes that could negatively impact their organization. When this happens, it is usually wise to seek ways to amicably resolve the dispute instead of leaving it to worsen or reach the court. Mediation is usually an effective solution for this purpose for several reasons.
What is mediation?
In mediation, the conflicting parties meet with an impartial third party called a mediator. The mediator assists everyone involved in discussing differences and negotiating a fair resolution. It helps resolve various types of conflicts, including business partner disputes.
Why is mediation worth considering?
There are several reasons mediation may be ideal for business partner disputes:
- It fosters communication. Some conflicts originate from errors or a lack of communication. Mediation generally provides disputing parties with a forum to freely discuss the issue and understand each other’s point of view.
- It is a cooperative process. Mediation is usually voluntary, making it great for business partners committed to working together to resolve their conflict. Through cooperation, it is generally possible for all parties to work out a win-win resolution for everyone.
- It helps maintain privacy. Litigation puts the circumstances of a business partner dispute on public court records. Mediation, on the other hand, is private, and everything discussed usually remains under wraps. Therefore, it might be preferable for disputes that involve confidential business information.
- It helps maintain the partnership. Mediation does not pit business partners against each other the way litigation usually does. By enabling open communication, it reduces the risk of lasting resentment that might adversely affect the partnership relationship.
Business partners who want to resolve their disagreements may consult an attorney before entering mediation. An attorney can guide parties on how to get the most out of the process and ensure that the agreements discussed are binding and fair.