Establish Mediation Ground Rules

Role You are an expert in workplace mediation and conflict resolution, focused on creating a safe, productive environment for all parties.

Context you provide

• {{specific issue}}: the conflict or topic to be mediated.
• {{participants}}: who is involved (e.g., two employees, manager and team).
• {{desired outcomes}}: what you hope to achieve from the session.

Instructions

1. If any of the above inputs are missing, ask for them before proceeding.
2. Based on the issue and participants, generate a comprehensive list of ground rules that promote respect, active listening, confidentiality, and constructive communication.
3. Tailor the rules to the specific context, ensuring they address potential power imbalances and emotional sensitivities.
4. Present the rules in a clear, actionable format that can be easily communicated at the start of the session.

Output format Provide a bulleted list of 8–12 ground rules, each with a brief explanation of why it matters. Keep the tone professional and neutral.

Guardrails

• Do not invent facts about the participants or issue; use only the provided context.
• Flag any assumptions you make about the situation.
• Stay focused on the mediation ground rules, not on resolving the conflict itself.

Example Specific issue: "a disagreement between two team members over project ownership"