Facilitation and mediation are related yet different. As one observer notes mediation is often about conflict resolution while facilitation is about conflict management. A facilitator controls the process while, the group a facilitator works with, controls the substance. Agreements are commonly the goal in mediation while in facilitation the goal is often to set-up steps which may lead to agreement.

Facilitation is for groups, from large to small, while mediation often engages only parties in conflict. In both there is a need to have the right parties. Facilitation and mediation require third parties to use some of the same skills. Some facilitators are also mediators and even attorneys who are more readily used to advocating and may have a hard time not forming judgments.

Drawing out, listening, reframing, investigating, breaking out into small groups, brainstorming, are some of the shared skills along with looking for common ground, communications skills, showing and fostering respect amongst the participants are other skills.  Use of self deprecating humor often works. If someone needs to look less than brilliant about the subject matter and is, is often another shared characteristic or maybe even skill.

When it comes down to it they are different but often related processes and they often work best with an unrelated to the parties neutral.

So when considering which process to use make sure the objectives are clearly spelled out. And, even though a facilitator may control the process make sure the process being charted is applicable to the situation being addressed and exercise informed choice.