Mind mapping for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

ADR is a methodology for dispute resolution outside of going to court. Effective mediators, who work with both parties in a dispute to help them come to an amicable agreement, prepare extensively prior to their meetings with the client, gathering extensive information about each party:

• Essential key facts about them and the nature of the case

• Notes on each party's previously identified positions

• A party's likely BATNA or "Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement"

• The previously identified positions of the parties

• The likely ZOPA or "Zone of Potential Agreement”

As Rich Vitaris explains in this Biggerplate article, mind maps are especially well-suited to capturing, organizing and analyzing this mountain of information. It can also be used to capture notes about each party’s position and demands during the meeting, giving everyone a shared perspective - a key to issue resolution.