THE MEDIATION MINUTE: Insights on Alternative Dispute Resolution is a compilation of articles about the process, strategy and psychology of successful mediations. The topics are varied and hopefully some of the discussion points will assist both lawyer-advocates and other mediators to consider issues that may assist them in achieving better outcomes in their next mediation. At the end of the day, the concepts of self-determination, confidentiality and communication are the bedrock of any mediation or negotiation effort. If those tenets are followed, the opportunity to use a third party neutral to help disputing parties reach a resolution of their differences should result in a positive closure to the pending conflict. If you are a mediator, you are helping people (businesses are people too!) resolve their problems. That's a big responsibility and must be carefully managed with professionalism and ethical consideration.