Mediation Minute
What the heck is mediation?
The below is inspired by recent feedback I received on LinkedIn. It’s a quick take on how I explain mediation in plain English.
When I tell non-lawyer friends that a have a mediation practice, some of them say, “That’s awesome… but, uh, what is mediation exactly?”
Here’s the textbook answer: Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral third party (the mediator) helps parties in conflict reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
And here’s the real-world version from me: A good mediator helps cut through personalities, history, and expectations to focus on what really matters — the interests of the parties — and helps find a path to resolution that works for everyone.
When mediation gets heated: “Go to the Balcony”
I’ve always loved the mediation metaphor of stepping on to the balcony: a brief pause, a broader view, and a chance to reset emotionally.
Perhaps it’s because my last name is Balconi (Italian for “balconies”) that I feel a special affinity for this idea: whenever conflict heats up, I’m naturally nudged by name to step back from the moment and see the bigger picture.
Recently, walking through northern Italy, I stumbled upon a colorful local expression: “fuori come un balcone.” It loosely translates as “out like a balcony;” meaning someone acting a bit eccentric… or even bonkers. Perfect metaphor: when you’re too deep in your conflict, your emotions feel completely out of your mind. That's exactly when it’s time to step back — to the balcony.
As a mediator, I take pride in guiding parties through that pause, helping them step back (or up!) - so conversations become about solutions, not blowups.
Next time you or your team feel like you’re “fuori come un balcone,” try this:
1. Take a 5‑minute break.
2. Reflect—not react.
3. Return with fresh energy to resolve the issues.