“Don’t you know who I am?”

As an ex soldier I have been surprised by the lack of reconnaissance by parties coming to mediations about the decision makers on the other side. “Googling” them during the first break out is probably too late. It is not just their names that are important, but who they are, what their roles are, and what are their status, achievements and interests. That knowledge will help you decide on your tactics.

Knowing exactly who it is you are dealing with makes coming up with innovative and creative settlement ideas easier and more likely to succeed. It may well help you to engage with them at a personal level as well.

Sometimes details of the parties attending are not announced until very late in the process, even to the extent of having to wait to see who actually turns up on the day. This may be a tactic and even though your time is limited, a member of your team should be designated to get on the internet fast. Ask the mediator for a little more time before you hold the plenary meeting so you can find out as much as you can before it is too late.