What's the best way to prepare for a successful mediation?

Whilst being well prepared is a given it can also give rise to unintended bias when the conversations start. To get the most out of mediation I like to follow the thinking of Stephen Covey - seek first to understand and then to be understood.

By adjusting attitude, preparing carefully, clearly and unemotionally assessing matters,being flexible and patient,this greatly increase chances of successful resolution on matters through mediation.

Resolved the problem without blames other, mediation is great way to find out solution but be wise and respect to the other party to accomplish it.

The third party as the mediator should fully understand the root of problem and decision that make by the third party should benefit to all.

A thorough preparation by each party before the mediation is the basis to get to the core of own interests regarding the conflict. During the process of the mediation, each party will start to understand profoundly the particular interests of each party. This will enable to negotiate a set of agreements acceptable for both parties considering each others interests concerned the matter in dispute. Thus, sustaining positions versus putting interests on the table during the mediation will prevent from finding a mutual agreement and disable the mediation process.

As always I have to collect all documents related to the contract,minutes of meeting. Question and ask should be limited during the meeting but argumention will not avoided.

Clear understanding and listen the others during communication,and lets other to express their argumention to view the point of view.

Don’t make it personal. It probably is but do your best to make about business not you. It probably really is about money (there are some exceptions) so treat it like a business transaction.

I am viewing my goal and interest and very realistic with my demand and expection. Never ever give any trade off to find any solution.

Here is an obvious and yet often-missed point - you need to PREPARE. The likelihood that your dispute will settle in mediation if you wing it is .5%. "What is she talking about? - that's a given!" No, it's not - I have been involved in several mediations, as a family mediator, that stalled (and were thankfully later revived) because a party came to the negotiating table not having considered what they want and how they plan on achieving it, and that is despite the fact they had counsel. And did I mention yet that winging it will not work? :) - so prepare! what are your goals? how do you plan on achieving them? what is your opening offer? how much wiggle room do you have? what is your BATNA? Distinguish between your positions & interests.

determine when best to proceed with mediation. Even if the mediation process is established by prior contract or court rules, informal modifications are always possible. Will the mediation be purely facilitative, or will it involve a mediator’s evaluation (or recommended settlement)? How will the parties structure the submission of mediation statements, exchange of information and conduct of the mediation meetings themselves? Do not accept a “cookie cutter” form of mediation if it doesn’t work for you, and if you can think of a better process that is more likely to succeed. After mediator selection, work with the mediator (and the adversary) to discuss the needs of the matter, and shape a process that suits your particular circumstances.

Know why the dispute arose in the first place. Find out where the problem lies. Determine options and limitations. A solution will present it's self.