Optimism is a trait that pervades successful conflict resolution processes, especially mediation. In training classes of students in the basics of mediation, it is clear those who approach mediation with optimism have better results than those who approach it with fear or pessimism. If a mediator approaches mediation with a genuine sense of optimism and persistence, the fears and doubts of those who are in conflict are reduced. Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court Justice, United States Supreme Court, said, “I have never had to face anything that could overwhelm the native optimism and stubborn perseverance I was blessed with.”
If the mediator believes the mediation process will be successful, that sense of optimism will affect the entire mood of the process. Further, an optimistic belief in the success of mediation informs the persons in conflict that the mediator believes there will be an end to the conflict, and it will be successful. A sense of optimism is also a key factor in building relationships within the mediation environment—not only between the mediator and the parties in conflict, but between the parties themselves. The sense of optimism needs to be a deep seated and genuine belief as the parties will see through a mere façade of optimism. Moreover, optimism needs to be conveyed from the very beginning of the mediation process. To set a hopeful tone for the mediation, there should be an explicit statement by the mediator of a strong sense of optimism in the mediation process and the inherent abilities of the parties to reach a successful outcome to their dispute. That statement may be the first time that the persons in dispute have ever considered that the resolution of the issues dividing them is within their own power to resolve. The strong sense of optimism about mediation will make the sense of dread surrounding the courtroom something the parties definitely want to avoid.
An optimistic approach to mediation is not toxic positivity. In a blindly optimistic approach, a person disregards the pain and reality that the conflict is and has been difficult. The fear, anger, and frustration the parties experience is discounted if not ignored. However, believing in the process as one that can ultimately bring people together is vital to the potential for mediation to be successful. The mediator who is able to build improved relationships between the parties in dispute and empower the parties to shape the outcome is truly capable of transformational mediation. Quite simply, transformational mediation cannot be accomplished without a strong sense of optimism in the conflict resolution process as well as an optimistic view of the potential for the parties in dispute to be able to resolve the issues that divide them.