Sometimes to Come Together, You Need a Little Time Apart - Why We Caucus

Sometimes to Come Together, You Need a Little Time Apart - Why We Caucus

Sometimes to Come Together, You Need Time Apart - Why We Caucus

Communication between parties is critical to the mediation process, which is why people are sometimes surprised to learn about the possibility of a ‘caucus’ - where the mediator speaks to each party separately. But caucusing can be a very useful tool in the mediator’s kit when the conversation seems stuck or when parties wish to reassess their interests and potential outcomes. With or without caucuses, mediation can help parties to resolve their disputes and achieve desirable and sustainable outcomes.    

By Ehsan Ali and Alnoor Maherali

“If the point of mediation is to get us to talk to each other, why would you ever speak to us separately?” 

The purpose of facilitative mediation is to enable the parties to decide on an outcome together. That means communication between the parties is critical to the process. But mediation also allows for what is known as a “caucus” – a short period where the mediator speaks privately with each of the parties.  Mediators vary in their feelings on the use of caucuses – some use them freely and others eschew them entirely.  At the start of any mediation, we explain to our clients what a caucus is and that at any point in mediation, a party or a mediator can suggest one. Below are a few of the reasons a mediation could benefit from a caucus.

The Emerging Interest

At the start of every mediation, we help parties to express all of the topics important to them and we probe deeper to see if there are related issues that should also be discussed. But despite this effort, new issues can emerge. When a mediator finds themselves in uncharted waters, they may call a caucus to see if there is something that should be added to the agenda for any deal to be comprehensive and sustainable. 

The Tug of War

Mediation often involves difficult and highly personal or sensitive issues. As such, sessions can become heated. As we described in our article, "Go Towards the Heat," this is not necessarily a bad thing. It often means that the parties are discussing items of real importance to them and that critical issues are finally being worked out. But sometimes, arguments can boil over or become circular in unhelpful ways. In these circumstances, the mediator’s job is to get the discussion unstuck. And one method for doing that is to call a caucus - where the parties can safely let off steam without the negative fallout that might result otherwise. 

The caucus can also provide space to examine what the parties want out of the mediation and the feasibility of their proposals.  It can give the mediator time to assess whether there is a zone of possible agreement (ZOPA) – a range of deals that could work for both parties.  Mediation works because it’s a conversation about ways to move forward, and it only works if both parties are hearing each other.  When they aren’t, a caucus can encourage a candid exploration of interests and provide space to consider everything that has been said.

The “Privacy Please” Sign

There are several things a mediator pays attention to during the session. When a party suddenly goes silent, or won’t answer a question or address a topic, a mediator may consider a caucus to explore that. Parties can privately share items with the mediator they might be hesitant to discuss in a joint session.  In commercial disputes, this can be a potential settlement they are hesitant to offer, or a business concern they have that they would rather not share with their counterparty.  In interpersonal disputes, the issue might be a sensitive point about personal history or an item they are nervous to discuss in front of the other party because they aren’t sure how they might react. Discussing this information privately first can reduce the risk of blurting out the wrong thing in session. 

Party’s Choice

At any point in the mediation, a party can request a caucus with the mediator. In every case, the mediator will grant a caucus both to the requesting party and, in the interest of fairness, to the other party as well. Besides the reasons already noted, a party may have questions, they may wish to address a perception of bias, or they may just need to share something in confidence that they do not want the other party to know. We always encourage parties to request a caucus (or break) as needed.

The Compass Check

Sometimes, towards the end of the mediation when options are being explored and evaluated, parties may be close to an agreement but not quite there. When a resolution is imminent, parties must weigh difficult decisions, ponder hard realities, and consider alternatives if a deal is not reached. A mediator can call a caucus to help each party to (a) brainstorm options that have not been considered, (b) weigh the options on the table against the best and worst case alternatives to a mediated outcome, and (c) reality-test the possible outcomes to ensure that they will address the party’s concerns.

The Signal Check

Mediators can also call a caucus to do an internal check about how the mediation is going. This is especially true in co-mediation, Venn Mediation’s preferred mode of operation. With two mediators, you have twice the experience and a synergy of problem-solving expertise and listening skills.  And the mediators are able to put their heads together and confirm what they are hearing.  When one mediator is a career diplomat and the other is a lawyer/arbitrator, you can be sure they will be keyed into different aspects of the conflict.  A caucus is a great opportunity for the mediators to check in with each other and decide on the best way forward. 

These are a few of the reasons mediators might call a caucus. And there can be times when most of the mediation will be done in caucuses - referred to as “shuttle diplomacy.” Especially if that is how one or both of the parties would like to proceed. In this scenario, mediators work with the parties in much the same way to make sure their interests are met. With or without caucuses, mediation provides a space for parties to discuss their issues and find sustainable solutions that work for them. But, sometimes to come together, you need a little time apart.

A caucus can be a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled mediator.  The mediators at Venn Mediation are trained to provide the process best suited to your conflict. Disputes are never easy, but dispute resolution doesn’t have to be hard. If you or someone you know has a dispute that seems stuck, or that could benefit from facilitation, please give us a call. We are based in New York but do online mediations as well. We’re here to help.

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