As a rule, the duration of the mediation-process lasts over three to eight appointments. According to the initial situation and the type of conflict, the sequence of a mediation varies and is not rigidly fixed. Typical steps and phases do, however, exist which in most cases last through the whole mediation process. Upon agreement to conduct a mediation and the person of the mediator, the latter comes to the company to introduce himself personally and to first clarify goals and expectations of all participants. Following this, a mediation agreement or a mediation contract will be concluded. In the second phase, all issues that are of relevance to conflicting parties are recorded in order to be able to subsequently prioritise them and include them in a balanced manner in the process. The third phase focuses on the different individual interests and needs of all participants in order to arrive at a common understanding of the conflict’s background. In the following phase four ideas for conflict settlement are systematically collected and – without consideration of the content – checked for practicality. The mediator, on the basis of his experience, sees his special role here in dealing with group dynamics and resistance as well as coordinating the process in a fair and solution-oriented manner. In the final phase, the ideas and options collected, which relate to the appropriate solution and reconciliation, will be thoroughly formulated with binding force. Governing criteria in this are general acceptance and the ability to implement and legally enforce the solution approach.