Sometimes it is necessary to seek assistance from a third party to help resolve a dispute.
The third party should be neutral, impartial, and must control his or her emotions as they assist the parties work through the issues.
Here are some common roles played by third parties in dispute resolution:
Mediator: Seeks a win-win solution
Facilitator: Uses procedures and processes guide interactions
Observer: Offers objective understanding of positions
Arbitrator: Has authority to decide the settlement of the conflict
Enforcer: Has power to impose settlement and conditions on the parties