The A-Z of Mediation: Win-Win Outcome

As part of our training courses, we include what we call ‘the orange exercise’: we give delegates a situation where two people both want one orange, and then ask them to come up with as many solutions as possible on how they can come to a resolution. Of course, most people suggest splitting the orange down the middle, thinking that this is a win/win outcome. But, seeing as neither person got what they actually wanted (the whole orange), this isn't the case.

A true win/win outcome would include finding a solution that is agreeable to all parties, where they feel that their needs and requirements have been fully met. This, of course, can be difficult in an interpersonal dispute, where parties will have totally opposing viewpoints and ideas on how to sort it.

Let’s briefly look at the other types of outcome as well:

Lose/lose
Nobody is satisfied with the outcome. This often happens when parties give up on trying to find a resolution.

Win/lose
One person is happy with the outcome, while the other is not. This is typically the result of an arbitration or legal process, where a decision is made on who is right or wrong and what should happen going forward.

Compromise
Parties are not totally unhappy with the outcome but also aren’t fully satisfied. For example, receiving half of an orange instead of the full orange that they wanted.

So why is mediation often cited as a way to achieve a win/win outcome? Is it even possible?

Well, with the mediator being an external and impartial third party, they will first seek to understand all sides’ points of view, using their skills to make parties feel heard and acknowledged. This can help both the mediator and the parties to understand what they are looking for as an ideal resolution.

Then, once parties meet face-to-face, they can start to build understanding and empathy, and clarify any assumptions or expectations that they had of each other. This can help the parties to have a clearer picture of each other’s needs and requirements.

With all of this in place, mediation then aims to find a creative solution, one which accomplishes all parties’ aims and objectives. Parties have total control of the discussions, negotiations, and agreements, which gives them more freedom and flexibility to find those as-yet-unfound solutions.