The reasons mediation works are many. Among these are the following: Mediation breaks issues down into "bite-sized" bits, isolating issues so they seem less complex. The process in mediation is collaborative rather than confrontational. Mediation acknowledges and values all human needs. Mediation does not rely on memory or credibility. Mediation allows the parties to decide the outcome. Mediation encourages creative remedies. Mediation is future-oriented, as opposed to law which tries to resolve what happened in the past. Mediation permits parties to become human to each other and appear less like cardboard figures. Mediation allows both sides to see the problem as a whole. Mediation employs the synergy between the parties to bring about agreement. Mediation compliments the parties as opposed to insulting them. Mediation equalizes the power of the parties to compel a result, regardless of the difference in their real power outside the mediation. Mediation surfaces hidden agendas. Mediation lets quiet people speak and talkative people be quiet. Mediation allows parties to "fine-tune" a result or change their minds. Mediation encourages the parties to actually tell the whole truth, including the subjective and emotional truth. Mediation connects parties through empathy. Mediation permits the mediators to model useful behavior and techniques for avoiding future conflicts. Mediation allows both sides to win. In mediation, the focus is shifted from people to positions and from positions to interests. Mediation encourages the parties to substitute internal for external constraints and avoids enforcement problems due to resistance. Mediation permits dialogue to take place in the language of metaphor. Mediation reveals the parties' deeper motivations. Mediation allows for constructive feedback without the appearance of judgement. Mediation empowers both sides to say no. Mediation lets the parties compromise and save face.