I have been asked on more than one occasion how to break an impasse. There seems to be a common belief there is a silver bullet that can magically move the disputants from disagreement to settlement. I have yet to discover the proverbial silver bullet this question seeks to answer. However, if we look at the problem from its source we can gain some perspective, insight, and answers. It should be noted the disputants are at impasse long before the mediation conference takes place. Without impasse, there would be no need for mediation. From this perspective then, mediation is the “silver bullet” for breaking the impasse. The better question is – How can we more effectively negotiate at mediation to increase the odds of reaching an agreement?

By Hal Wotitzky