Why mediation works.

I came across this interesting quote the other day:

We are generally the better persuaded by the reasons we discover ourselves than by those given to us by others.
- Blaise Pascal

I think this effectively illustrates why mediation works. As I discussed before,

[Mediation] provides the litigants their last and best opportunity to take control of the outcome of their dispute. ADR professionals will tell you that it provides litigants with a sense of autonomy, empowerment, or control; that mediation is all about self-determination. The parties agree to a solution because they become involved in the process.

An effective mediator, even an evaluative mediator, is one who can help the parties assess the perceived strengths and weaknesses of their positions, examine their needs and interests, and discuss settlement options by asking the right questions.   When parties are asked their opinions, when they are asked to present options, when they are forced to confront issues head on and look objectively at potential outcomes, when an agreement is reached, they come to believe that they reached the solution themselves.