Mediation tips on how to get past an impasse.

1. {
Getting Past your
Impasse
Alex Boatman, Deborah Johnson, Kyle Mertz, &
Amy Vincze

3. Introduction to Impasses

4. Definitions of Impasse:
An obstacle that impedes progress in a
mediation
Or
A situation in which progress is blocked; an
insurmountable difficulty; stalemate; deadlock

5.  Inflated perceptions of power
 Anger and verbal hostility
 Different interpretations of the facts (events) or responsibility
 Fear of losing face
 Pushing a personal value
 Getting stuck
 Giving up
Beliefs and Behaviours that
Contribute to an Impasse

6.  Take a break/breath
 Temporarily set impasse issue aside and move
on to something that is easier for parties to
agree to
 Describe fears/concerns
 Brainstorm possible options
 Review progress
 Ask “in a year where would you like to
be/see?”
Getting Past an Impasse

7.  Trial period
 Offer a suggestions that is ‘almost too
outrageous’ in order to generate
possibilities/options that are feasible
 Other person’s shoes
 Reality checking
 If all else fails suggest ending the mediation
Getting Past an Impasse
Continued…

8. Incorrect Impasse #1

9. Correct Impasse #1

10. Incorrect Impasse #2

11. Correct Impasse #2

12. Conclusion