Intermediaries or third parties may be necessary for some situations, primarily when two parties have difficulty resolving an issue. There is a reason why arbitrators are in demand: sometimes, it is required for them to intervene. Typically, the problem results from a dispute where both parties believe they are correct and that the other person is wrong. Rarely is it that either party will be able to see an alternate perspective, and at times, even if they do, they may not want to validate the other viewpoint.
There is value in disagreements when people can remain objective and bring objectivity and clarity into the situation.
There are go-betweens who, in many instances, do not help, such as those who choose to insert their agenda or motivations, or even worse those who placate either side separately and relay a distorted subjective summary to the other party. The parties have not addressed or resolved the issue in these situations, and the go-between may have even exacerbated the problem.
Mediators can be of immense value when they orchestrate and initiate a dialog and respectful debate, while the get-in-between adds little value. Choose wisely.
