When the client is a multi-person organization, step one, you usually will be told that the person accompanying you to your mediation has “full settlement authority”. Step two is when that person has to contact one or more people to get approval for a settlement. Step three – one of the most frustrating that can occur at a mediation – is when the real decision makers, having no buy-in to the process, will not give your settlement their blessing. To the greatest extent possible, avoid this! Ask the necessary questions in advance. Where there are non-participant decision makers, involve them as much and as early as possible.