Transformative mediation and third‐party intervention: Ten hallmarks of a transformative approach to practice

The transformative approach to mediation and third‐party intervention is seen as attractive by many practitioners, but they are still somewhat unsure of its precise contours in practice. To clarify these contours, the authors describe ten major patterns of practice that they believe characterize the work of intervenors who follow this approach. These “hallmarks” of transformative practice range from the content of mediators' opening statements, to their attitudes about party competence and motivation, to their willingness to deal with emotion and conflict history. Together, the hallmarks paint a clearer picture of this approach to intervention. They also help clarify some misunderstandings that have arisen about the approach.