People with adversarial views talk together in the presence of a trained, neutral mediator who facilitates discussion. All parties work to reach agreement and find solutions that everyone can support.

Characteristics of the process include:

• Discovery of mutual interests.
• Joint problem solving.
• Orientation to the future.
• Creative, flexible solutions.
• Respect for and sharing of differing expertise by the parties and representatives.
• Control of the process by a neutral mediator.
• Control of the outcome in the hands of the parties involved instead of a neutral third party.