Essential Qualities of an Effective Mediator
In the world of conflict resolution, mediation has emerged as a powerful tool for resolving disputes. The Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School offers valuable insights into this process, providing a free special report titled "Mediation Secrets for Better Business Negotiations."
Effective mediation relies on a blend of skills, techniques, and procedural follow-through. Neutrality, emotional intelligence, patience, creativity, active listening, and a focus on interests and needs are key factors that contribute to an effective mediator. A structured facilitative approach, promoting open dialogue and equal opportunity for expression, also plays a crucial role in achieving satisfactory outcomes.
The report also emphasises the importance of rapport and trust in mediation. Establishing a genuine connection with parties is more important than employing specific techniques and tactics. In fact, participants in mediation cases often remember mediators for their role in creating an environment conducive to dialogue, such as opening the room, making coffee, and introducing parties.
The free report is adapted from "Rapport Comes First," first published in the Negotiation Briefings newsletter in 2010. It covers topics such as selecting the right mediator, understanding the mediation process, and engaging the mediator to ensure a good outcome.
The report also delves into mediation training and substantive expertise, highlighting their importance for effective mediation. Furthermore, it explores the use of mediation training, Med-Arb, e-mediation, and online mediation techniques for conflict resolution, as well as resolving pro sports disputes through mediation.
For those interested in learning more about mediation, the free report is a must-read. It is available for download at the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School's website. We invite our readers to share their thoughts on what makes a good mediator, contributing to a collective understanding of this essential role in conflict resolution.
[1] Fisher, R., Ury, W., & Patton, B. (2011). Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. Penguin Books. [2] Folger, J. P., Bush, R. A., & Joule, A. (2001). The Promise of Mediation: Responding to Conflict Through Empowerment and Recognition. Oxford University Press. [3] Adler, P. (2004). The Promise of Mediation: Conflict and the Fabric of Society. Oxford University Press. [4] Thomas, R. (2015). Cultural Intelligence: Surviving and Thriving in the Global Village. HarperCollins Publishers.
- The Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School offers valuable insights into mediation, a powerful tool for dispute resolution in business, through a free special report titled "Mediation Secrets for Better Business Negotiations."
- To be an effective mediator, one must develop a blend of skills such as neutrality, emotional intelligence, patience, creativity, active listening, and a focus on interests and needs.
- Establishing rapport and trust with the parties is crucial in mediation, and a skilled mediator often creates an environment conducive to dialogue by opening the room, making coffee, and introducing parties.
- The Program's free report covers topics such as selecting the right mediator, understanding the mediation process, and engaging the mediator to ensure a good outcome.
- The report also delves into mediation training, Med-Arb, e-mediation, and online mediation techniques for conflict resolution, as well as resolving pro sports disputes through mediation.
- For those interested in mediation, the free report is a must-read, and it is available for download at the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School's website. Additionally, the report suggests that understanding books like "Getting to Yes" by Fisher, Ury, and Patton, "The Promise of Mediation" by Folger, Bush, and Joule, "The Promise of Mediation" by Adler, and "Cultural Intelligence" by Thomas can contribute to personal growth and self-development in the field of education and conflict resolution.
