The art of mediation comes in different styles and forms in today's society. With all styles and formats, the foundation for helping others try to resolve their disputes still stands. In the early years of mediation, many of today's best-known mediators used their backgrounds as the basis for their mediations, today's mediators use their specialized skills to conduct mediations in some of the same ways in the early years of mediation. According to Moore, mediation is an intervention in a conflict in which a third party is accepted to help reach mutually acceptable solutions (2003). Beer, Packard, and Stief (2012) define mediation as a dispute resolution process in which an intermediary helps conflicting parties to have a joint conversation. During the early years of mediation, the mediation movement expanded and developed to significantly high levels (Moore, 2003). There have been numerous leaders who have broken new ground in the field of mediation, bringing it to what it is today. Leaders in the field of mediation were interviewed about their opinions, thoughts and practices regarding mediation along with the field of conflict management. Content analysis of interviews with Bill Hartgering, Joseph Stulberg, and Zena Zumeta will be discussed. His background helped propel the mediation movement in the early years of mediation. The background of union negotiations translated seamlessly into the field of mediation. The same also applies to Joseph Stulburg's background that helped him fall into mediation. Bill Hartgering's legal training has also played a role in how he conducts mediation (Benja...... middle of document ......153-189.Marsh, SR, (2000). Expanded use of institutional mediation. Retrieved from http://adrr.com/adr1/essayl.htmMoore, C. (2003). The mediation process: practical strategies for resolving conflicts: Jossey-Bass.Mosten, FS (2001). ?F. S Mosten (ed.), Career Guide to Mediation: A Strategic Approach to Building a Successful Practice (pp. 34-45: Jossey-Bass Publishers.Stulberg, JB (1987). ). Work. In J B. Stulberg (ed.), Taking charge/managing conflicts (pp. 31-41: Lexington Books.Zumeta, ZD (2000). Mediation. Mediate.com. Resourceful Internet Solutions, Inc. Wilmot, W.W. and J.L. Hocker “Third-Party Intervention". 236-259