Mediation requires trained, impartial professionals who help clarify issues, evaluate options and overcome obstacles in a confidential setting.   While mediators promote fairness and cooperation, they have no power to make decisions.  Mediation may involve two people or multiple parties. 

Consensus Building is Facilitation is useful to groups of people who must work together or who share a common concern but who represent different interests.  These groups often have sharply different views of the issues under discussion.  While consensus means seeking unanimous agreement, in reality, it usually means finding solutions the parties "can live with".   Consensus Building requires clearly defined issues, ground rules that everyone endorses and a clear understanding of what would constitute a successful outcome.

Mediators and Facilitators employ many of the same skills.  They help devise ground rules for the process; they summarize issues and keep the group moving forward.  They act as a center of gravity and an agent of reality.  They continually bring the focus back to satisfying the interests of all parties.