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Artificial Intelligence in Mediation: What the Future Holds for Mediators

Artificial intelligence (AI) for helping mediate disputes has begun to gain traction. Although it might not yet be commonplace, it is on its way to playing a pivotal role in conflict resolution, providing mediators with tools and functionalities that streamline the mediation process, offer data-driven insights, and help manage communications and negotiations. The use of AI in mediation looks both promising and transformative and presents opportunities and challenges for mediators.

The Transformative Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Mediation Process One can’t help but think of artificial intelligence (AI) without conjuring up Hollywood-inspired images of computers exhibiting human-like qualities in their quest for control. While these images remain mostly the stuff of imagination, the exponential growth of machine learning, predictive algorithms and their implications for the practice of law and mediation are too real to ignore. Clearly, the “AI revolution” has arrived and its transformative impact is here to stay.

Yet, most mediators still question whether its arrival portends the replacement of the genuinely human skills that mediators bring to the table. Creativity, empathy, and emotional intelligence are a few of the so-called “soft skills” that remain the exclusive province of human intervention. That said, I recently attended several international mediation conferences where the subject of artificial intelligence dominated agendas, and panel discussions moved beyond a dystopian future vision and focused instead on the practical benefits of having this fourth party in the mediation room.

What will be the practical impact of technological advancements like artificial intelligence in preparation for and during the mediation process? What guardrails exist to ensure the ethical and unbiased application of machine learning in a mediation environment? These are but a few of the questions that we, as mediators, must ask ourselves to keep pace with the changing world and its new methods for resolving disputes.

Client Expectations As attorneys and clients come to mediation from a world increasingly accustomed to using artificial intelligence, one can assume that they will expect no less from their chosen mediator. Online dispute resolution, while technologically advanced, may not fully replace the human touch in mediation. What might this brave new world of artificial intelligence in mediation look like, and what should the mediators of tomorrow be thinking about today?

Using Artificial Intelligence as “Augmented Intelligence” Artificial intelligence augments and enhances mediators’ capabilities through advanced data processing, predictive analytics, natural language processing, and various support tools. This augmentation allows mediators to make more informed decisions, manage cases more efficiently, and ultimately improve the mediation process. Some of the ways are discussed below.

Preparation AI can assist as a thought planner during the convening phase of mediation. The mediator can use AI tools to identify objectives and priorities, preview potential obstacles, and even attempt to gauge what might be a “fair resolution.” Questions can be scripted in advance based on the specific dispute, such as “Give me five examples of interests that might be important to the parties” or “Provide examples of how the competing interests of the parties might be reconciled.”

For mediators who routinely receive large volumes of expert reports, business records, or other documents, AI-based software can transform the exercise from one of locating and synthesizing information to an evaluation and verification process.

Mediation Brief Analysis Artificial intelligence can help summarize briefs, analyze and evaluate the strength of legal positions, and even offer predictions about an attorney’s advocacy skills and mediation competency based solely on the composition of the mediation brief. At Signature Resolution, we are actively experimenting with integrating AI to enhance our case data through AI-generated summaries and advanced search capabilities.

Communication For those interested in a deeper level of mediation preparation, AI-based tools can assist mediators in facilitating communication and developing different types of questions, such as “What do you hope to achieve through mediation today?” Biometric AI technology currently exists to assist mediators in understanding and interpreting human emotions to identify underlying emotions.

Negotiation Perhaps the most significant application of AI includes the predictive ability based on data collected and what it portends for attorneys using AI to support their negotiation positions. AI-based negotiation tools currently exist to assist the parties, and potentially the mediator, in pursuing favorable negotiated outcomes. Negotiation strategies can be implemented using strategic tools that surpass traditional distributive bargaining exercises, allowing mediators to craft creative solutions to disputes.

Drafting Settlement Agreements AI can assist in the real-time preparation of settlement agreements and other closing documents, thereby reducing the opportunity for confusion or scrivener errors in a post-mediation drafting exercise.

Mediator Feedback Perhaps most intriguing is the possibility that someday AI can be used by the mediator to provide critical analysis and feedback, either in real-time or post-mediation. By asking AI reflective questions such as “How did my efforts in today’s mediation compare to other recent mediations?” or “What questions did I pose that elicited the most useful information or informative response during private caucus?” the mediator can improve her skill development.

Ongoing Concerns About the Ethical Considerations of AI in Mediation As with any new and fast-developing technology, some legitimate questions remain regarding the use and application of AI for mediation. Properly managing this so-called “4th party” in the room will require consideration and potential erection of guardrails to prevent various misguided outcomes. What are a few of the most concerning considerations?

Bias Perhaps the most troubling of all concerns is that to the extent AI relies on algorithms based on collected data, the predictive outcomes will reflect the potential bias of that underlying data. When the data used to train an AI system reflects past prejudices and inequalities or is not representative of the broader population, an AI’s decisions can be skewed, and the biases may replicated or even amplified, leading to unfair or discriminatory outcomes.

One example of bias offered by a recent conference attendee was that when she (using her female voice) instructed Siri to perform a task, her instructions were ignored. When her husband, using a decidedly deeper, more masculine voice, gave Siri the same instruction, the task was immediately carried out. This is but one small example of potential implicit bias in the manifestation of AI that reflects the larger world bias built into the underlying data.

AI’s machine learning algorithms can also be biased based on their design or the assumptions built into them. This is particularly problematic in mediation, where fairness and impartiality are crucial. AI’s lack of creative and expansive thinking can prevent it from identifying and correcting these biases.

Additionally, AI’s inability to fully understand the complex context of disputes, including cultural, social, and personal factors, can also lead to biased outcomes.

And because AI systems follow predefined rules and patterns, they are less flexible in handling unique or nuanced situations. This rigidity can result in biased outcomes when the AI cannot adapt to the specific needs or circumstances of the parties involved, unlike a human mediator who can think outside the box.

To mitigate these issues, it is essential to ensure close monitoring and updating of AI systems to identify and correct biases and to use diverse and representative datasets for training AI. The judgment of experienced mediators will be needed to complement the use of AI tools to ensure a balanced and fair dispute resolution process.

Ethics AI can help identify ethical moments in mediation, which offers significant assistance to those not otherwise sensitized to a potential ethical issue. That said, this assistance will need to be premised on standardized ethical rules and ethical considerations. Whose rules will become the standard, and what cultural, political, or legal issues this will surface still need to be addressed. Finally, while many can agree on generalized standards, the nuanced application of those standards may still be beyond AI’s current ability to apply.

Liability Who is responsible when AI gets it wrong? Many are familiar with the recent example of the New York attorney submitting a legal brief replete with AI-generated misapplied cases. Similarly, a colleague recently used AI to research legal authority to guide his role as Special Master. When he began reading the cases cited to support his intended action, he quickly learned the cases neither supported the proposition asserted or were made up entirely.  Commonly referred to as hallucination, AI often seeks to fill in gaps reflecting unavailable knowledge. When confronted, the AI source apologized for getting it wrong.

Legal professionals need to be informed about ethical considerations and apply independent professional acumen to ensure the intelligence part of AI is accurate. The problem of AI occasionally hallucinating responses in lieu of substantively correct answers may be emblematic of early generative AI. Nonetheless, anyone using AI, including mediators, must apply independent professional acumen to ensure the intelligence part of AI is accurate.

Confidentiality As we collect, store, and access increasingly large amounts of data, how do we ensure the privacy and confidentiality of this data? If not properly protected, the already skeptical, privacy-oriented public will be even less inclined to allow the appropriate collection of data upon which AI depends.

Machines vs. Human Mediators One cannot engage in a meaningful discussion of AI without considering the ultimate, if not seemingly inevitable, trajectory of AI use in mediation. Many will argue that the choice between AI as “worthless” and AI as “replacing trained mediators altogether” is no longer binary. However, the impact on the human “soft skills” that mediators bring into the room looms large in any debate.

While AI technology can enhance efficiency, provide valuable insights, and increase accessibility, the core human elements that separate mankind from machines – empathy, creativity, kindness, and trust-building, emotional intelligence, and ethical judgment – remain irreplaceable. AI will not replace the ability of an experienced mediator to navigate complex social dynamics, handle the emotional and ethical complexities of mediation, or make nuanced moment-to-moment decisions that clients expect from us.

AI Does Not Replace Formal Mediation Training for Human Mediators While generative AI tools like ChatGPT can provide mediators with feedback, simulations, and other resources for developing their mediation skills, they cannot replace comprehensive, formal mediation training. (Just ask ChatGPT yourself!) Formal mediation training offers in-depth and thought-provoking lessons from experienced professionals and a structured learning environment that is effective for developing effective mediation skills. AI tools must be viewed as complementary to a trained mediator’s critical thinking skills, not a replacement for those skills.

Moving Forward As with all change, there will be those who are slow to adapt. Like everything new in mediation, innovation requires a change of mindset. After all, it wasn’t too many years ago that many of us could not envision a role for virtual mediation, and now it has become the default setting for many.

The future will likely see a hybrid approach where AI and human mediators work together, leveraging the strengths of both to improve the mediation process and deliver better outcomes for all parties involved. Mediators who adopt AI as a complementary tool and continue to develop their human-centric skills will be well-positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape.

Hopefully, the days of avatars replacing human mediators aren’t on the horizon; those mediators who embrace the new technology in the room will be one step closer to advancing the superpower of mediation. Those who fail to heed the game-changing potential of artificial intelligence in mediation are in danger of being left behind. Human mediators, with their ability to think strategically and craft creative solutions, will remain essential in addressing the complex, subjective, and emotional aspects of disputes.

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Lawyers and Mediation: The Benefits of Becoming a Mediation Lawyer

While the number of civil cases that are resolved through mediation (and other forms of alternative dispute resolution) has soared, the cases that end up in a jury trial have drastically declined. Still, not many litigators have acquired the skills needed to be effective mediation lawyers. In fact, over the past thirty years, one of the untold secrets among the mediation community is that the quality of mediation advocacy – the ability of a lawyer to present and argue a client’s position, needs, and interests in a non-adversarial way in mediation – generally ranges from fair to poor.

With a continued emphasis on litigation advocacy, it’s no wonder that formal mediation advocacy training has been predominantly overlooked. What training does exist is primarily experiential, “on-the-job” learning. While there are moments of creative thinking and strategic behavior in mediation, there are an equal number of missed opportunities when evaluating mediation advocacy. The inescapable conclusion is that there is a real need for litigation advocates to become better mediation lawyers.

My friend and colleague, Daniel Weinstein, said it best when he observed, “In a world in which less than 1% of cases end in verdicts, it is surprising that lawyers prepare elaborately for a trial that will never occur, yet feel that the only preparation required for mediation is a good night’s sleep.”

I often ask myself, “Why didn’t this lawyer prepare differently for this critical moment when they have the undivided attention of the decision-makers on the other side? Or, “Why can’t this lawyer visualize the impact of their message or approach on the other party down the hall?”

Like many mediators, I spend too much precious time guiding advocates through challenging moments that they have predominantly created themselves.

What is a Mediation Lawyer? A mediation lawyer, sometimes referred to in the profession as a mediation advocate, should not be confused with an attorney-mediator. A mediation lawyer is a licensed attorney who has received mediation skills training and, better yet, who has received training on how to best help their client resolve the disputes through meditation.

Not only are they familiar with the nuances of the mediation process, but they have acquired unique skills for navigating the potential pitfalls that can get in the way of achieving the best outcome for their clients. A good mediation lawyer is supportive of the mediation process and is ideally suited to represent their clients in the mediation environment. Mediation lawyers often handle various civil disputes, including employment disputes, which are increasingly being resolved through mediation.

An attorney mediator, on the other hand, is a lawyer skilled in mediation who acts as a neutral third party to facilitate discussion and negotiation during mediation. Because many attorney mediators have legal experience representing clients in court for the same kinds of disputes that they mediate, they have acquired invaluable knowledge of the issues at play and key insights for helping participants reach an agreement.

Unlike a neutral mediator who facilitates discussions and guides both parties through the mediation process, a mediation lawyer acts as counsel for their client and provides legal advice. They help their client understand their legal rights and the strengths and weaknesses of their position and can fashion persuasive arguments based on the strengths of their case.

During mediation sessions, a skilled mediation lawyer advocates for their client, keeps the negotiations on point, and advises their client about the benefits or drawbacks of a potential settlement agreement. When parties are unable to reach a mutually acceptable agreement, a mediation lawyer recognizes that there may be opportunities for future engagement.

Mediation Advocacy Training for Lawyers is a Crucial Step Although mediation has developed and grown over the past several decades in the U.S., legal education has remained primarily focused on litigation advocacy. Yet, alternative dispute resolution is here to stay.

Mediation serves as a complementary process to the legal system, helping to maintain the integrity and efficiency of the justice system. Mediation advocacy training for lawyers is now a crucial step toward developing the broadest range of skills to help clients resolve conflicts and achieve winning results outside of court. In other words, to be truly successful, a lawyer must be able to achieve effective settlements that advance the client’s interests in the most cost-effective and timely manner. Mediation has proven itself to be one of the best ways to do that.

For too long, helping your client resolve their dispute through litigation or mediation has been viewed by many as a binary choice: you were a skilled advocate in one, but not both. This choice is a false dichotomy. Litigation advocates must pursue, with equal vigor, the essential skills required to develop mediation competency and become effective mediation lawyers. Across a wide range of civil disputes, including commercial, divorce, family law, real estate, and trust disputes, developing mediation advocacy skills can help lawyers represent the best interests of their clients in mediation and achieve winning results.

What Skills Define an Effective Mediation Lawyer? While there are complementary and sometimes overlapping skills needed for both mediation advocacy and litigation advocacy, there are distinctly different skills that serve the mediation advocate in contrast to those that serve the litigation advocate. Effective mediation lawyers need to develop skills in active listening, empathy, patience, and emotional intelligence, as well as how to be flexible and creative in fashioning ways to support and meet the client’s needs in the mediation session. For example, a joint session is a collaborative setting where all parties, along with their legal representatives, meet simultaneously with the mediator to discuss their cases. Many litigators avoid joint sessions for fear of losing control or the emotional toll on their clients. In reality, it is often in the joint session that information crucial to the successful resolution of the conflict is discovered. Litigators need to learn the nuanced skills that differentiate participating in an opening session in mediation versus giving an opening statement in court.

Effective Mediation Lawyers Understand the Uniqueness of the Mediation Process I’m fond of telling mediators and lawyers alike that the real danger in life lies in not knowing what you don’t know. For many individuals in the world of mediation, this statement couldn’t be more indicative of the challenges we face.

For mediation to be effective, it is crucial that the parties agree on the mediator’s selection, establishing a cooperative environment conducive to dispute resolution. From there, it is a matter of thinking less about tearing down the opposing parties’ arguments and more about preparing to think about a different perspective.  Unlike in the courtroom where the lawyer has one primary audience, the judge or jury, in mediation, the effective lawyer understands that their audience includes decision-makers on the other side, their client, and the mediator.  What probably appeals most to the effective mediation lawyers I’ve worked with is the potential for creative solutions unavailable before a jury or a judge.

There is another compelling reason to provide mediation lawyer training, one that is especially critical in emerging mediation markets: achieving acceptance of the practice itself. Thinking back to my early years of promoting mediation here in the U.S., lawyers were the most important stakeholder group to engage, while they also put up the most resistance.

Embracing Mediation Through Better Understanding

Fast-forward to recent times. As I teach mediators and assist governments in other countries in successfully implementing mediation in their judicial systems, I’ve come full circle. I’m again confronted by lawyers who resist mediation based on their fear of the unknown, economic uncertainty, or other reasons. Their resistance impedes the acceptance of a culture of mediation in their communities.

Assisting local mediators in engaging these attorneys through mediation advocacy training may be the best way to break down their resistance. Mediation advocacy training offers lawyers the opportunity to reimagine their career trajectories. By embracing mediation through better understanding and then building mediation advocacy skills, mediation lawyers can separate themselves from their peers and deliver winning results for their clients.

The Need to Formalize and Institutionalize Mediation Advocacy Training At Edwards Mediation Academy, we believe that the long-term success of mediation in the United States and other parts of the world depends on its acceptance and the building of the attendant skills of mediation advocacy. In pursuit of this goal, it’s simply not enough to let learning evolve organically through “on-the-job” experience.

Instead, we must formalize and institutionalize the relationship between lawyers and mediation through quality mediation advocacy training.    Too many lawyers sit comfortably in the doldrums, waiting for the winds to change.  Acquiring the skills to become better mediation lawyers will help them learn to adjust their sails and catch the winds of opportunity.

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Certified mediator? The Sparrow and the Peacock

Having taught mediation skills for over thirty years and, more recently, having developed an online mediation training curriculum, it’s only natural that I stand as a zealous proponent of mediation training. It follows, then, that I am increasingly alarmed by the number of mediators entering the profession who have little or no training and even less practical experience. For many of these aspiring mediators, a successful career in law or a certificate from a 40-hour introductory course in mediation is held up to the world as documentary proof of their requisite skills and training.

How did we arrive at this moment in our nascent profession? And, more importantly, how do we build credibility as a profession by emphasizing the importance of high-quality education and skills development? As mediators, we operate in a unique professional environment. We come from various backgrounds, and we apply our skills in various settings.

We begin with a look back At the beginning of our profession, we necessarily focused our initial efforts on developing a sustainable career path. The conversation about training requirements, model standards of conduct, and conduct enforcement lagged behind. Despite most mediators agreeing that some degree of training and education was essential as a prerequisite to market entry, there was little consensus around specific requirements. Consequently, we found ourselves in a profession with no national standards for mediators.

Even today, we are left with a patchwork approach to ensuring mediation competency. Few states have training requirements, and those that do, require a minimal number of hours of training. In most states, you need significantly more training to be a licensed barber than a professional mediator. Some courts and other private service providers in the US do have training requirements to be on their approved panel of mediators. Proper training is crucial for professionals seeking to offer dispute resolution services.

A proliferation of mediation training courses In this void, we’ve witnessed the proliferation of 40-hour mediation training courses. Incredibly, some courses even profess to “certify” students as mediators upon completion, conveniently overlooking that this word has no official meaning in the broader profession.

It’s not my intention to criticize forty-hour mediation training programs or downplay the significance for those individuals who have received a certificate upon completion. Indeed, at Edwards Mediation Academy, we grant certificates upon successfully completing our courses. I also actively participate in many face-to-face programs that promote this same approach to learning. I believe that credentialing oneself is an important first step in career development.

My criticism is with those who think that a forty-hour basic mediation training course, or less in some cases, is all that is required to commence a career in mediation or those who believe that Artificial intelligence can replace quality mediation training. I recently heard a mediation trainer suggest that the audience use Chat GPT to get a list of the steps to mediate when first starting. There is a place for AI in mediation, but it certainly does not replace a high-quality mediation training program.

Because peer review is limited, many untrained mediators look to the final outcome, meaning whether the dispute was resolved, as the sole litmus test of their performance. To these mediators, the means and methods of how that result was achieved take a distant back seat, and self-reflection is an afterthought, at best.

The need for deeper education and training in mediation I often look to other industries for examples of where our mediation profession should aspire. For example, many professionals equate the skills required in mediation to those required by practitioners of the therapeutic sciences. It’s interesting, for instance, that to be a licensed clinical therapist, one needs several years of formal education and a year of mentoring under the guidance of a licensed professional before being allowed to consult with their first patient.

In thinking about the need for deeper education and training in our profession, I am reminded of a statement by Malcomb Gladwell in his book Outliers: “It takes roughly 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery in a field.” To illustrate the absurdity of minimal training to be proficient in mediation, I often ask my mediation students to envision themselves seated on an airplane and ready to pull back from the gate when the pilot comes on the public address system and announces, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to flight 123 to Washington D.C. You’ll be happy to know that I just completed the forty-hour course on piloting this new aircraft, and I’m looking forward to our first flight together.” Not exactly confidence-inspiring!

Truth be told, there is so much more to be gained from experiential learning than is available through certificate programs alone. I was recently “shadowed” or observed in mediation by a visiting mediator from Columbia, South America. After a long day of mediation, we sat privately to debrief, and I asked what he had learned that day. He responded by saying that he appreciated my use of stories to build a strong connection with the parties. What was even more instructive, he continued, was how seamlessly the stories occurred in conversation and how strategically they were used to help manage difficult moments. He concluded by saying that it was this nuanced use of storytelling that he could never have learned from a book or a 40-hour basic mediation program.

Criteria for selecting a mediation course Since training standards for mediators are not yet in place, what are the important criteria an aspiring mediator should look for in selecting a mediation course or curriculum? I strongly suggest the following focus:

1) Experienced Instructors Look for programs taught by those instructors with “real world” experience. In a marketplace of professional trainers, few have the type of practical experience that Malcomb Gladwell would describe as “mastery in the field.” Yet, it is an instructor’s ability to blend theory and practice while using their rich experience that brings learning to life. Learning from experienced mediators ensures you gain expertise in conflict resolution, communication techniques, negotiation skills, and legal and ethical compliance.

2) Interactive Learning Whether face-to-face or online, look for interactive programs that afford opportunities for experiential learning. Neurobiology tells us that authentic learning comes from experience, including failure. All too often, introductory courses are long on lectures with limited opportunities to incorporate or observe practical skills. Effective mediation training should also include observing an experienced professional making nuanced decisions when working with disputants.

3) Content In addition to understanding the fundamentals of the mediation process, a comprehensive mediation training program needs to include communication and active listening skills, practical yet nuanced strategies for guiding parties, a comfort level handling impasse amid high emotions, and the ability to recognize and acknowledge the significant impact of culture and bias on the mediation process, all imperative to getting parties to trust and actively participate in the process.   But that is just the start. To assist individuals through negotiation and settlement, mediators must internalize the need for self-reflection and self-management in the mediation process.

4) Variety Mediation skills are consistent across a variety of disciplines. Therefore, training in one area of skill development may be easily transferable to a different application. That’s why a student of mine once took a job in a nursing home to improve his listening skills since he knew he would need to listen carefully to his patients. Don’t overlook any quality program that will expand your thinking and skill development, whether in communication, neurobiology, body language, or online mediation. Decision-making skills are also crucial in mediation, especially for handling family conversations, inheritance disputes, caregiving, and financial planning.

5) Approval by a state bar association or other credible institution Look for mediation courses that have been approved by a state bar association or other credible institution or that are offered through a credible institution. That is a practical means of guaranteeing their quality. Just because an organization says you will be a certified mediator upon completition, make sure that it is from a credible source, not just a marketing ploy.

Learning is an ongoing endeavor Once you have immersed yourself in mediation coursework and have gained an appropriate number of certificates for your office wall, let the education continue. Look for opportunities to “shadow” experienced mediators and debrief with them afterward to learn why they made specific decisions at a given moment. Practice skills in a “role play” environment because your brain can’t distinguish between “real life” scenarios and authentic practice using “role plays.” Volunteer for dispute resolution experiences. Get together with like-minded individuals to practice amongst yourselves.

Once your career is underway, never stop learning. Form groups of local mediators and share experiences. Keep notes of your own experiences and debrief yourself following every mediation. Ask experienced mediators to periodically peer review your efforts. Only through high-quality mediation training can we continue to build credibility as a profession. Only by acknowledging that certificate programs are an important first step, but only a first step, can we help our mediation clients distinguish between those in our profession who are certified mediators and those who are truly competent. As one of my former colleagues at JAMS was fond of saying, “The sparrow may tell himself he is a peacock, but the peacock knows the difference.” Understanding and mastering the mediation process is crucial for continuous professional growth.

The exalted goal of mediation training was perhaps best captured on the television program 60 Minutes during an interview with Misty Copeland, the first African American ballerina to dance for a premier dance company. When the interviewer observed that Misty’s dancing appeared “effortless,” she quickly replied, “I’ve spent a lifetime of effort making this look effortless.”

Whether you distinguish yourself as a certified mediator or not, you must commit to the same level of preparation. Then, when the stage lights are on, you will possess the necessary skills to assist those in conflict competently. In so doing, you will represent the best of our profession.

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A Case for Forgiveness in Mediation

What is the Role of Forgiveness in Mediation? Forgiveness can be a powerful and transformative element in mediation and conflict resolution.  While forgiveness is not always the main goal in mediation, it can create a conducive environment for amicably resolving conflicts. The case for forgiveness in mediation stems not just from its potential to facilitate resolution but also from its potential to allow for emotional healing, overcoming feelings of guilt, rebuilding relationships, promoting reconciliation, and offering something of personal value to those who have experienced harm or loss. And, as mediators, we should be open to providing support to parties in a conflict in pursuing opportunities for forgiveness.

Restoring Connections For those of you who have attended one of my mediation training courses or listened to me speak before, you know I talk about there being two basic human needs from a neurobiological perspective. One basic need is growth and development and the other one, which is more pertinent to this discussion, is connection — our need to be connected to others around us and be part of a broader community or society.

This second basic need underscores the importance of apologies and the role of forgiveness in restoring those important connections in our lives, whether they are connections between family members, other loved ones, coworkers, or even broader communities or nation-states.  The idea of restoring our connections with each other speaks to who we are at our very basic human level.

The Power of Forgiveness Years ago, I attended a lecture by Van Jones, a noted CNN commentator, who described being present in South Carolina at the scene of a church shooting where a white gunman had opened fire during a prayer session killing nine African American parishioners. He arrived the day after the shooting to participate in a panel of commentators covering the tragedy and its aftermath.

As a young African American man, Van described being so filled with rage that morning that as he was being fitted with his microphone, he couldn’t bring himself to look his fellow panelists in the eye. Then he recounted, a most amazing thing happened.

As they were preparing for the broadcast, sounds of singing rose from the church behind them, softly at first, then rising with emotion as the church choir led the congregation in the hymn “Alleluia”. As Van described the moment, it wasn’t an expression of joy but of happiness, a happiness that flowed because the church members had found it within their hearts to forgive. And while the church gunman may have taken lives, he would not be allowed to take the souls of those he had so callously murdered.

And with this realization by the church congregation that the power of forgiveness was theirs to wield, with forgiveness came a renewal of hope and faith. Van found comfort in the moment, a moment he described as reflecting the best of the human spirit.

Forgiveness is a Personal Choice What I found so profoundly moving about this story at the time was that it reflected a personal choice, really a group of them. But it was a conscious decision made immediately in the aftermath of unspeakable tragedy and divorced from consideration of reconciliation, punishment, or apology. I remember thinking, I don’t know if I would have the strength within me to forgive, much less in that moment.

My reflection on forgiveness has continued this past year as I have been involved in teaching and conversations with mediators in Ukraine and the Middle East. I have often found myself thinking, is there a case for forgiveness to be made? A case that offers something of value to those who have endured life-altering suffering.

Dr Robert Enright is a professor of Forgiveness Science at the University of Madison- Wisconsin. Dr. Enright has been studying forgiveness for over forty years and has made it his life’s mission to “promote forgiveness in every willing heart, home and homeland”. During a recent podcast on CNN, Dr. Enright, while reminding us that forgiveness is a personal choice, begins by saying that he doesn’t subscribe to the mantra “forgive and forget”. Rather, he teaches that it is healing to “forgive and remember”.  Dr. Enright continues that the lesson is to remember in a different way, learning to remember without the rancor and without the rage. Ultimately, when we do remember, it’s without the same kind of pain.

Developing Empathy for Forgiveness Dr. Enright teaches us that our ability to forgive can be strengthened like a muscle. The more we forgive, the easier it becomes. He describes a simple lesson where you close your eyes and imagine someone who has hurt you in some way. What do you feel? Anger? Resentment? Frustration? Sadness? Fear?  Are there physical sensations called somatic markers, like a clenched jaw or a knot in your stomach, that confirm your state of agitation?  Now, take several deep breaths and ask yourself, can I forgive this person? Can I empathize with them and what brought them to this hurtful moment?

Dr. Enright also speaks about the timing of forgiveness. He counsels that those who have been gravely mistreated must respect their emotions and that forgiveness occurs most typically once you have “settled in your heart”. Some will be ready. Many will not. Yet for those who freely choose forgiveness, it can be deeply healing.

The Benefits of Forgiveness When we can consciously cultivate forgiveness, it carries with it profound psychological and physical benefits. Psychological studies have revealed that those who can forgive experience reduced anger, anxiety, and depression, while physical benefits include lower blood pressure, better sleep, and reduced stress.

In one group who had undergone Dr. Enright’s twelve-step forgiveness program and were then connected to a heart monitor, “the arteries of the heart stayed open to a statistically significantly greater degree than those who did not have forgiveness”.  It’s these scientific findings that underly the quote by Lewis Smedes, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you”.

I’m mindful that forgiveness is a profoundly personal choice. For some, the scale of the harm suffered may never lend itself to choosing a path other than revenge. For others, the ability to see an adversary as a wounded person yet sharing a common humanity may give rise to life-altering benefits.

One year, on a teaching excursion to Rwanda with my partner and wife Susan, we were hosted at the opening of a community center in a small village outside of Kigali, the nation’s capital. Only 25 years removed from the worst genocide of the past century, perpetrators of violence and victims of violence were still living in the same small communities attempting to coexist against a backdrop of unspeakable violence.

The program finale involved two villagers standing shoulder to shoulder before the assembled audience to describe the benefit of having this new community center, a forum for resolving disputes and engaging their community. First, the man described his guilt and shame surrounding his murder of the woman’s family during the first hours of the 100-day genocide. She spoke next of forgiveness, her faith, and her willingness to accept him back into the community. They had faced each other in the hardest of conversations and ultimately found peace with each other, even working together to start a basket-weaving business.

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From Genocide to Reconciliation, Lessons from Rwanda

Earlier this year, Rwandan President Paul Kagame spoke to the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast gathering (click to read) and attempted to answer a simple question: after a country loses a million people in a genocide, how do you repair that country? How can you break the cycle of violence, heal the psychological wounds created by a seemingly intractable conflict, and shift to reconciliation?

President Kagame suggested that Rwanda’s experience portends more than a story, “It is also a warning. A warning about what happens when we allow hatred to triumph over humanity”.

Why Rwanda?

So what can a small nation lying in the middle of the African continent have to teach the rest of the world about hatred, violent conflict, and, ultimately, reconciliation? What hope rises from the ashes of one of the bloodiest massacres of the 20th century? And why should those in the Western world not look away from this painful chapter in human history, rationalizing that this could never happen somewhere to them?

This week marks a week-long commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. In April of that year, the armed Hutus tore apart their country, targeting the Tutsi minority and others who stood in their way. Neighbor turned on neighbor, and by the end of the 100-day killing spree, close to a million people had been murdered.

In the words of President Kagame, when the violence was stopped, “almost every Rwandan was displaced and bereaved. All public institutions had been destroyed. The harvest was ruined and there was no money to rebuild”.

Peaceful solutions to conflicts

In 2017, when we first visited Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, we made it a point to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial when our host told us that one can’t truly appreciate where Kigali is today without first understanding its past, meaning a past defined by the genocide. It is said that more than 250,000 human remains are buried in the vicinity of the Genocide Memorial. Touring the memorial included the most vivid reminders of man’s inhumanity to man. Like most others, I left that experience deeply moved by the disturbing images of brutality and even more committed to bringing the lessons of mediation to a country hungry in its search for peaceful solutions to conflict.

We have returned to Kigali many times since that first visit. And over the ensuing years, Edwards Mediation Academy has worked with others to bring mediation to Rwanda and, with it, systemic change to the court system and government institutions and the implementation of restorative justice programs. We have worked with Chief Justice Emeritus, Prof. Sam Rugege, and the current Chief Justice, The Honorable Faustin Ntezilyayo. With the leadership of Weinstein International Fellows Bernadette Uwicyeza, Harrison Mutabazi, and Anastase Nahabire, we have trained almost one thousand judges, attorneys, business leaders, and NGO, and government officials. We have partnered with the Kigali Bar Association, the Rwanda Bankers Association, and community leaders to bring mediation skills to the forefront for use in court-annexed mediation programs, community programs, and everyday conflict. It is but one small chapter in Rwanda’s larger story of success.

Using dialogue and reconciliation to repair the social fabric

We must not forget the lessons The more important story, the story that the world needs to hear on this commemorative anniversary, is what happens when leaders seek to divide us rather than search for collaboration and nonviolent solutions to conflict.

Again, in the words of President Kagame, “We have turned the corner in Rwanda, but the same ideology that justified the genocide against the Tutsi is still alive and well in our region. And we see the same indifference from the wider world as in 1994. It is as if those expensive lessons are always lost, and we stare blindly as the same type of situation builds up again”.

Unfortunately, the lessons today are all too familiar. Whether we are confronted with wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, Myanmar, Sudan, or other regions of increasing violence and conflict, the answer to violence isn’t continued violence; it is an urgent need to stop the violence and search instead for dialogue and reconciliation.

Outside of Kigali lies a small village, one of many surrounding the capital. During one visit to a local community center and its showcase project of teaching forgiveness to community members, we sat in awe as we listened to the story of two neighbors; one, the perpetrator of violence having murdered his neighbor’s family, and the other, the sole survivor of that murderous rampage. In their quest for reconciliation, the victims of violence were asked for the greater good, to swallow their anger and bitterness, and give the one thing they had left to give: forgiveness. The perpetrator had professed profound regret, expressed sincere apology, and served time for his crimes before seeking to reenter his community.

These two Rwandans had found it within themselves to embrace forgiveness. They stood before us as a living testimonial to the potential of the human spirit and a stark reminder of what can happen when leaders seek to divide rather than unite communities.

The need to pursue dialogue over divides As we head into election season in 2024, whether the European Parliament elections in June, the U.S. presidential election in November, or any of the other 64 nations holding elections this year, we would do well to remember the lessons of Rwanda.

Again, the words of President Kagame: ‘Healthy nations are those where we always strive to put the politics of unity and peace above all else, no matter how many times we fall short of that ideal. It is the practice of reconciliation, in matters large and small, which creates and recreates healthy nations and turns strangers and enemies into a family of citizens.”

Why Rwanda? The unimaginable cost paid by this small nation stands as a warning of what can happen when divisiveness, hatred, and polarization become the norm. Today, in a sign of national unity, Rwandan ID cards don’t label citizens as Hutu or Tutsi, but simply as Rwandans.

We all need to recommit to the constant work required to pursue dialogue over divides and find ways to connect with those holding different views. Only then will we be able to restore faith in our future and pass along a legacy of tolerance and acceptance to our children. This is the lesson of Rwanda. This is why, during this commemorative week, we are all Rwandans.

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Rethinking Basic Mediation Training: Essential Skills

The key to developing true mediation competency begins with “me”

In addition to basic mediation training, what do mediators need to improve their mediation competency? While mediation skills training remains vital to the practice of mediation, the key to developing mediation competency begins with self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-management. Before determining how we can effectively assist those in conflict, we must first look inward to better understand our own emotional competency and the impact we have on others around the mediation table. Developing essential mediation and conflict resolution skills is truly a life-long journey of self-development that begins with “me.”

The mediation process Over recent years, as alternative dispute resolution processes have developed, we have witnessed the introduction of mediation, a process defined as a facilitated negotiation that attempts to return disputants to the roots of conflict resolution modalities.

Mediation works because it seeks to bring parties together to communicate directly with each other, at times with emotion, but also to break bread and hopefully realize different perspectives. Above all else, it’s a process that addresses basic human needs beginning with the need to be heard, respected, and participate in a process that seeks solutions responsive to the needs and interests of all the parties involved.

Mediation is a collaborative process that can resolve a wide range of disputes. I know it well, having conducted over 8,000 mediations in the past thirty-five years in matters involving construction disputes, employment claims, workplace conflicts, business disputes, personal injury, and wrongful death. Completing a 40-hour training program in mediation theory and skills is essential to becoming a competent mediator.

Yet mediation works because of the facilitator’s skill, and therefore, its promise is dependent on high-quality mediation training. Mediation is a voluntary process that empowers parties to air their concerns and find mutually agreeable solutions.

What, then, should we know about mediation training to better understand how to develop mediator competence in the growing profession of those who would choose to intervene in resolving the conflicts of others? I’ve taught mediation techniques and skills to judges, attorneys, government officials, and others for over three decades, traveling to over twenty-five countries during my teaching journeys. Additionally, I am the co-creator of an online mediation training academy that has made mediation skill development available worldwide. This experience has bought me a front-row seat to the development of our nascent profession and, at the same time, provided me with a unique perspective on what is required to develop true mediation competency, including understanding the mediator’s role in managing the process and gaining the trust of the parties.

Looking inward My educational background was in psychology years ago before entering law school, so it’s only natural that I tend to view the mediation process, and therefore mediation training, through a psychological lens. Viewed from this perspective, it’s easy to understand that before we can effectively assist those in conflict, we must first look inward to better understand our own emotional competency and the impact we will have on others around the mediation table. If we hope to realize the promise of mediation, we must aspire to the highest level of mediative competency in our profession, a journey that begins by looking inward.

The importance of self-management in the mediation process and conflict resolution skills All mediators should understand that as facilitators of the negotiation and settlement process, we introduce ourselves into the conflict. With that introduction comes our own unique personality, emotions, relevant life experiences, and biases. It is this constellation of individual characteristics, interests, and skills that makes each of us unique and why mediation, at its core, is truly an exercise in personal service.

Unfortunately, most mediators looking to improve their mediation competency, and therefore most training courses, are quick to focus on specific skill development, such as active listening skills, patience, establishing ground rules, using open-ended questions, and negotiation. They ignore the critical need for self-reflection and self-management as a precursor to effectively assisting those in conflict, including the other party.

Simply stated, self-management remains a professional weakness for many mediators who eschew the need for and the effort required to effectively manage, negotiate, and resolve conflict within themselves as an integral part of the mediation process.

What self-management is not What do I mean by self-management, and what other principles do mediators need to understand about themselves before effectively engaging with others? Before answering the question of self-management, it’s important to distinguish what it is not. Self-management training in the business world often focuses on time management practices and increasing productivity.

In contrast, professional mediators’ discussions of self-management are less about efficiency and more about effectiveness. It’s less about acquiring specific skills and knowledge and more about developing social competencies. Describing the process as self-management training does an injustice to the level of commitment and the lifelong journey required for self-development to become a successful mediator.

The essential first step What is the point of self-management, and why is it an essential first step in developing mediator and dispute resolution professional competence? Ancient Greeks emphasized three aspects of the human experience: the mind, the body, and the spirit. This time-honored perspective provides a valuable template for examining self-management and its goal to develop mediation competency in addition to basic mediation training. Specifically, we should envision a triangle with each side reflecting a different focus point of self-management: self-management of the mind, self-management of the body, and self-management of the spirit (emotions). A deeper understanding and self-mastery of these self-management focuses should become the taproot of all future learning.

Self-Management of the Mind Throughout my teaching career, I’ve coined the term Mediator’s Mind™ to describe the mental model we create for ourselves that defines our approach to mediation and shapes our every intervention in the conflict environment. Self-management of the mind begins with self-reflection and developing a strong vision of how we see our role in mediation. This mental model will become a good mediator’s North Star that can be returned to time and again during difficult moments in mediation.

I’ve also described our journey through life as an exercise in focused attention. Yet we know from brain research that at any given moment, we only commit a fraction of our available attention to the relevant task at hand. Similarly, we know from our own everyday experience that the constant white noise of our internal conversation, at best, distracts us from devoting full attention to active listening and communicating with others. Self-management of the mind thus begins with sharpening our ability to maintain focus and use our internal voice productively while engaging others in conversation.

More recently, we have developed a deeper appreciation for cognitive and emotional biases role in our ability to perceive the environment clearly and communicate effectively with others. Effective self-management of the mind begins with understanding our own biases and how to account for and address them as we intervene with the parties involved in mediation.

Self-Management of the Body As mediators, we know the importance of nonverbal communication and pay as much attention to physical cues and behavior as the spoken word. Yet, how many mediators take the time to hold up the mirror of self-reflection and examine their own body’s cues, behaviors, and roles in mediation? How many are aware of their own internal signals?

Somatic markers A term in psychology, somatic markers, refers to our physical responses to external stimuli, often stressors in our environment. An example is when you open your email server, and just seeing a sender’s name causes your stomach to turn or your jaw to clench. In mediation, how often have you paused before walking into a private conversation with one party, only to observe a tightness in your chest or some other physical manifestation of stress? Learning to pay attention to these important signals our bodies send us is the first step to self-management of the body.

Mastering body language Equally pivotal to self-awareness is mastering our body language. The recent trend toward online dispute resolution and forced marriage between mediation and technology has offered an unparalleled opportunity for the self-management of the body. Spending eight hours a day on a computer screen allows you to observe yourself in the moment. We have never had a better chance to witness and become aware of our body language, including subtle facial expressions, as we communicate with others.

Self-Management of the Spirit (Emotions) Self-management of the spirit entails developing emotional intelligence, defined as the ability to perceive, understand, and manage strong emotions. The journey toward understanding and expanding one’s emotional intelligence has been equated, metaphorically speaking, to exercising and strengthening one’s emotional muscle. The first step toward developing this muscle is to conduct a self-assessment, which means evaluating your shape and acknowledging your baseline for expanding your emotional capacity.

Reflective exercises To assist this capacity building, we begin our training by encouraging students to engage in reflective exercises to understand and appreciate how one’s immediate family members influenced their emotional development. We also train them to rate their current feelings using positive and negative scales. These exercises and practices help mediators learn to attend to their own emotional state while better understanding and creating the opportunity for developing a higher level of emotional competency.

Self-Care and Self-Compassion Self-management of one’s emotional well-being also includes self-care and self-compassion. Paradoxically, many of us are drawn to this profession by a profound need to assist others, and doing so effectively requires extraordinary amounts of empathy and compassion.

Compassion burnout Yet when the mirror is reflected inward, we find ourselves dealing with an industry-wide epidemic of compassion fatigue and burnout caused by an inability to access the same degree of self-compassion as one has when assisting others. Simply put, one cannot continuously work close to the flame of high emotions without giving equal attention to one’s own well-being.

Conclusion This journey toward mediation expertise begins with the need to develop the highest levels of mediation competency in those who intervene in dispute resolution and problem-solving. The professional insight required to effortlessly deliver essential skills, strategies, and techniques to resolve conflicts in the presence of discord and high emotions begins with a commitment to honest self-reflection, self-awareness, and thoughtful self-management focused on mind, body, and emotions.

Yet it must be emphasized that the noble goals of achieving these levels of personal and social competency will not come from books, blogs, or webinars. Instead, they will evolve only from a lifelong commitment to self-reflection and personal development.

If the goal is to realize mediation’s full potential, it must begin with a personal journey devoted to high-quality education and practice, including personal development. Of course, these are not easy lessons. Yet, rethinking these essential mediation skills must be the first step in preparing ourselves to help others in the mediation process.

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A Roadmap to Build a Successful Mediation Career

Many students in our mediation training programs ask about the steps they should take to translate their professional training into a successful mediation career. While an education and a high-quality mediation training program are essential for laying the foundation of a career, they are not the ultimate indicators of a successful career in mediation. What will ultimately shape and define one’s mediation practice is a life-long commitment to self-improvement, continuous learning, and ultimately delivering the highest-quality service, which is crucial for building a highly successful career.

I often tell those interested in pursuing a career in mediation that most jobs available in our still nascent mediation profession have yet to be created. That’s because conflict is ubiquitous in our human condition. One needs only to turn to the internet or glance at headlines to know that the world is rife with dispute and that opportunities for conflict resolution abound.

Today, law school and graduate degree programs in dispute resolution abound, creating career interests in dispute resolution. This growth in career interest, against a backdrop of diminishing judicial resources in most communities, has led to an expanded role for commercial mediators. Moreover, an increased appreciation for the cost of conflict in government, business, and other organizations has formalized institutional roles for mediators and ombudsmen, ensuring a bright future for career paths in conflict resolution in the U.S.

Action Steps for a Successful Mediation Career For those interested in a career in conflict resolution generally, and commercial mediation specifically, it’s critical to first understand yourself and then embrace the actions required to prosper in the profession. Creative problem-solving skills are essential to finding satisfactory resolutions and addressing the interests of all parties involved. Thirty-five years ago, I left the law practice to begin one of the first mediation companies in the United States. Over the ensuing years, I’ve mediated almost daily, mentored dozens, if not hundreds, of aspiring mediators, and helped grow the world’s largest commercial mediation company. From the lessons I learned along the way, I developed a roadmap with action steps that will prove helpful to mediators in developing a successful mediation practice.

1. Self-Reflection to Activate Your Mediator’s Mind®

Mediation Begins with ‘Me’ Most “how-to” programs on developing a successful career in mediation begin with practical recommendations. What is lacking is the essential first step of personal self-reflection: Who am I? What are my strengths and weaknesses? Why do I want to embark on this new profession? How do I see my intervention? Who do I want to become? How can you hope to assist others in conflict, often with high emotion, unless you first honestly know yourself? Finding common ground in conflict resolution starts with understanding oneself to better address the core concerns of all parties involved.

A variety of self-assessment tools are available online, yet the keenest insight may well come from spouses, family, or close friends. Importantly, self-reflection is not a “check the box” moment in career development, as the most successful mediators maintain learning journals, participate in ongoing reflective groups, and otherwise treat self-reflection as a lifelong journey.

The Mediator’s Mind® Career development, generally, and mediation more specifically, begins with developing a mental model or philosophical construct that I have coined: the Mediator’s Mind®. This model focuses on how you view your conflict intervention and will shape your thinking about career options while guiding your moment-to-moment decisions once in the profession. Think of the Mediator’s Mind® as your north star illuminating your career path.

2. Crafting a Strategic Business Plan

The road to failure in mediation is paved with those who thought that prior career success and a long contact list of former clients would guarantee success. The reality is that unless one demonstrates a commitment to strategic planning and follow-through, the chances of a successful practice will remain a distant aspiration. As the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”

Mission Statement Reducing your strategic plan to a single paragraph forces you to be clear on objectives and realistic about specific goals. It will also help you avoid the natural tendency to overreach in pursuit of being a mediator for all disputes.

Short and Long-Term Objectives The longest journey begins with a single step, and in this case, a series of short-term, single steps for which there must be direction and accountability. Short-term goals that are both measurable and realistic will enable an aspiring mediator to ultimately pursue long-term objectives.

Defining Geographic and Substantive Reach Many entering the field of mediation will encounter a degree of competition. While competition is somewhat relative, given the potential breadth of the conflict environment, those destined for success will begin with marketplace research. Where do I see the most favorable entry point for my brand development? What are my most transferable skills? What is the opportunity to assist a potentially underserved population? Understanding these factors will help you stand out from other mediators.

Understanding the Business of Mediation

Understanding mediation as a business and, more particularly, how various business models can influence your career trajectory presents a blind spot for many seeking to prioritize skill development. The business of mediation represents the support framework that will allow you to pursue the passion of your chosen intervention. Ignored, it could become the Achilles heel of your economic success.

Business Models and Opportunities The past several decades of our nascent profession have, in part, reflected a grand experiment in the business of mediation and, more specifically, have provided vital lessons about what business models can provide to those who aspire to offer their services as dispute resolution professionals. From solo practitioners to corporate employees to those who choose to sign on with ADR providers, there are various opportunities that merit careful consideration depending on one’s preferred career path.

Mastering Finances and Efficient Operations For many, this will sound more like a business school course than one in dispute resolution. A keen appreciation for office overhead, marketing budgets, accounts receivable, and strategic pricing are central to career success.

3. Marketing

The concrete steps required to gain experience mediating are the sine qua non of career development programs. Specific strategies for marketing, branding, and creating mediation opportunities are the standards against which most such programs are judged. Fortunately, industry success stories abound, and important lessons can be universally applied.

Brand Development and Social Media While succeeding when helping others resolve a conflict represents the best possible marketing, gaining those opportunities begins with getting one’s name out to the marketplace. Social media’s ubiquitous reach presents unique and creative opportunities for those entering the field to develop their own brand identity while reaching a broad audience.

Write, Talk, and Teach: Selling the Value Proposition of Conflict Resolution For those looking to start a commercial practice, advertising is not enough. One must seek to distinguish oneself while advancing the value proposition of mediation to potential consumers of ADR services. Looking for opportunities to write, talk, and teach about the many benefits of mediation will elevate one’s reputation in the profession as both a thought leader and one who has mastered the nuanced skills of the mediation process.

Developing Opportunities to Mediate For most aspiring professionals, this is where the rubber meets the road. How one is afforded the opportunity to assist others in conflict will depend upon what role one chooses in the profession. From volunteering to co-mediating to workplace mediation to mediating for your local or federal court, patience and persistence will be required.

4. Enhancing Skills

Long-term success in mediation is equal part skill development, marketing, and successful navigation/resolution of conflict opportunities. Strategic career planning and development ultimately pale compared to what an aspiring mediator can accomplish behind closed doors in mediation. While it’s important not to conflate outcome success with process and personal satisfaction in the mediation process, how one “sells” her services by example in the mediation room will have a far more significant impact on career success than any other variable. Many mediators balance their mediation practice with a day job, especially when starting out.

Pursue Continued Skill Development Although this article focuses on career development, it can’t be overemphasized that career development goes hand in glove with mediation skills and techniques. The more one demonstrates a fluid understanding of conflict moments and a nuanced skill set in response to those moments, the more likely long-term success. Stated more succinctly, people will remember a job well done. Become a lifelong student of skill development, and it will pay dividends beyond the largest marketing budget.

Building on Mediation Success Once one has gained early mediation opportunities and demonstrated a firm grasp of skills, the longer-term focus shifts to sustaining and enhancing one’s reputation and practice. Here again, the question is one of finding ways to advance one’s reputation and career opportunities. Building one’s reputation through activities within the profession, expanding one’s subject matter expertise, or simply passionately pursuing success in the mediation room are all strategies for long-term success. Regardless of career accomplishments, the most successful and experienced mediators never stray far from the lessons learned at the outset of one’s career.  

To assist those considering a career in dispute resolution and those looking to enhance their existing dispute resolution careers, Edwards Mediation Academy has made available an online course on Developing Your Career in Mediation. Our instructors, some of the most experienced professional mediators, share insights on the common challenges facing mediators in their careers, building a business plan, and the action steps to take to stand out as a professional mediator.

Conclusion Ask any successful mediator, and they will tell you that it takes months, if not years, of commitment and persistence to build a successful mediation career. Yet, for those who persevere, there are many rewards. What could be more fulfilling than a career focused on helping parties in a dispute resolve conflicts through intellectual and emotional engagement?

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Complete Mediation Training Certification Online

If you are working somewhere or planning to start your career, then it is important to have some unique skills in your profile that will attract the employer's attention. Hence, if you also want to add some skills in your profile, then you must have to think about the mediation course. One can complete the mediation course online, as there are many online websites and academies available that provide the different online courses which will be helpful for your career growth. When one does the course which is rare, then there is a high chance of getting a good salary in the professional path. Therefore, it is very important to do research about the course that you want to do. Hence, if you are planning to do some courses and looking for some options, then you must have to think about the mediation courses. When one thinks about the mediation course, then the first thing that comes in mind is how it will be useful and helpful. As there are many companies are looking for trained mediator along with the other profiles. Even though, there are many of the employers who send their selected employees for the online mediation training certification because employers want that in their company, one should have the mediation skill. The candidates who have the certification of mediation have a very good scope in professional life, they will get a very good package along with a good designation. The job of the mediator is very hard because they have to deal with situations that are very critical. Being a mediator, a person has to resolve all the issues in the correct way without doing any favor to any party. The mediation training platforms or the academies have trained experts and pioneers in the meditation fields. There are many career benefits for people who attend mediation online training. It is easy to attend the training classes for this simple course, you just have to spend a few hours a week. To make the skills better, people are looking for the courses through which they can make a path towards success. People think that working as a mediator is an easy job and It sounds very easy to work as a mediator, but it needs lots of strength, confidence and an effective way of communication, which will really help in resolving disputes or conflicts. If you really want to complete the course, then you can also check the details about the free online mediation training course. The details of the courses are available on the internet, so one can check it easily and enroll for the course. It will be really a great way that can lead to a good life. A person will get more details about the mediator on the web and one can check the module to know more about the mediation course. You can find every detail on the website, so before starting the course, check the details.

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Look Out for the Commercial Mediation Course Online

These days, every person has a passion to do something better in their life and when one thinks about doing something better, then one must have to complete the different training programs because it will help you to excel your career and to get a good position it will be a great step. As there are multiple types of courses available, but what is mediation? Thus, mediation is an intervention in a dispute in order to solve it. Yes, now there is a course for the people who want to work as a mediator to resolve the dispute. Hence, if you also want to complete some courses which are really helpful in your career, then you can think about mediation training. Lots of people do common courses, while some people prefer rare courses because in that, the competition is less and they will have the chance of being highly paid. These days, many people are looking for accredited online mediation courses online, and you will get every detail on the web. As there are many trainers or academies available which are offering this course and the trainers of the academy are trained and experienced, they trained the candidates in the same way, so they can perform well in the professional life. Now the online classes available and joining the online classes will be the best option because it is the right way to attend the class as per your own schedule. Every place has a problem, so if you have the skill to resolve the problem, then it will increase your professional value. After doing the course, you will have a life-changing skill, which you can use internationally. Every place, there is a problem and due to that, they look for some courses that will help them in achieving their goal. Whether it's a problem between the employer or third party vendor, employee or employer and any other, the mediator will help both parties in resolving the matter without hurting anyone's sentiments. If you also want to do a mediator job, then you can check the details about the mediation course online. If you also want to do a mediator job, then you can check the details about the mediation course online. It will be good to check the details of the commercial mediation courses which will help you in the better way. You can browse the details about the online mediation training to know more about the course details. On the web, you will get the info about the training and training provider. If you think about such courses then it is really important to collect all the details about the course and the trainers, and it will be better to choose the right platform or the source to complete the course. This course is really helpful, not only in your professional life but in your personal life as well. Check all the details about the description of the course.

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Find the Accredited Mediation Training Courses Online

Mediation is one of the things which is well structured and well planned which will help the people to resolve their problems. At the current time there are various problems going on and to resolve such issues a third party is required. The mediation is nothing but the third party which is very well trained and experienced who can resolve any issues that happen to any of their clients. There are various online websites available that are currently providing the best mediation online course. They have some options in this course such as a mediation course or an advanced mediation course or some mediation training course. The mediation skills course has the key principles which are the main things that a mediator should know, not only the principles should know but also you have to know how to use them in the real world. This course has some special things in it, as they are well organized around the world, they are useful for the deconstructs, a two party mediation, a mediation course has various stages which give a complete guideline and expertise from the industry. This course is for a person who likes to work individually or for the company. After the completion of this course, a person can learn how to interact and proactively solve the dispute, and mediate properly in some litigation. This mediation course required 9 hours to complete the course. Currently, there is a huge demand in this sector and people are eagerly searching for the mediation person. The main thing of this course is that you have to learn it online as per your time, you can learn every module as per your time, but remember one thing after completing the first module do not rush for the second one just give some time and work on the first module and after that move to second module. Accreditation is one of the processes in which you get the certification of competency, authority, or credibility. The accredited mediation training courses are one of the courses which are good and have the best schedule of various modules that have various layers of mediation. After completing such course a person can understand what to do and how to resolve the complete issues and he can work as a third party resolution. The online website has the best staff that can help to resolve the issue and make you perfect so that you can solve the issue. They also provide online training on how to solve the various problems of all fields. There are some online websites available who are providing the best course in a very short time, they take 45 hours to complete the advance course of mediation. There are various websites available and you have to select the best website for your course. There is a good demand in the market for such people, so a person will get the best option to get the best job in the market.

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Check Out the Online Accredited Mediation Courses

Mediation is one of the structured, dynamic and interactive processes in which an impartial third party will help the disputing parties in resolving these issues as the mediation has some specialized communication and negotiation techniques that will help them to resolve the issue. All the members of mediation will help the people to solve their problems whenever they need it. There are various parts of the world where the mediation person is needed and there are some courses conducted by online portals and also there are some special classes available to teach you about the mediation. There are various online mediation courses available at the current moment and people are likely to join it, as there are great opportunities for the mediation. There are lots of problems going on in various fields so they need the proper person who can easily manage all the things and the owner gets the best result. The third party involvement is a much needed thing in the current era. There are many online portals available who are providing the best study material for the mediation course and also they are having an online video conferencing option for the students. The accredited online mediation courses are a thing that is in high demand in most parts of the world. Currently, people want a third party for the resolution of their problem, due to this high demand of mediation, there are lots of online websites that are providing the courses so that they can build the proper person for mediation. Currently, there is a huge demand for the mediation person and a mediation course needs a minimum of 9 hours to complete the course and the certificate will be delivered at your location. There are various ways of these courses one of the courses is an advanced mediation course which is completely designed for the people who want to take intelligence to the next level. They believe that they can manage the maximum things and they can organize the real world in a proper manner. In advance mediation, the courses are distinguished in nine different modules and each and every module will be taught by the expert from the industry pioneer. Along with this online practice and worksheet will help the person to encourage their practice and reflection. Each and every module has its different skills and this will help the people to distinguish the different stages of mediation. Not only does every module teach about the different stages but also they include the discussion of some ethical and different issues which are unique to mediating from the complex issues. There are various online websites available who are providing this type of advanced mediation course which will help you to make your future bright. The total time taken to complete this course is 45 hours and your certification will be delivered at your location. It depends upon you which online course you are going to select, select the proper website for the course.

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Complete the Course with Free Online Mediation Training

Every person has a desire to do something good in his or her life, and such kinds of people always look for the different kinds of courses through which they can achieve the desired result in their personal and professional life. If you are also passionate about your career and want to get a good name at your workplace, then you can complete the mediation course, and after completing the course, you will become a certified mediator. A mediator is a person who can resolve the conflicts of various issues from child custody to divorce from business disputes to anything, which will need a third party to come up with the solutions that are acceptable by both parties that are involved in the issue. One can do the narrative mediation training to become a professional mediator, now every place has the requirement of a mediator whether it is an office, home, hospital or any other place. There are many institutions, the association offers professional courses for mediators, so it is important to choose the best place to complete the course. The top institution have the trained members which provide the certification examinations, continuing education, training, details about the industry, up to date news, programs to help the mediators to understand the actual work of a professional mediator along with that such kind of training programs also help the candidates who take initiatives to enhance the communication with the mediation field. There are many questions in the candidates’ mind, they are very curious to know about it because every person wants to achieve the best goals in his or her life and for that one always look for the option, which takes him one step ahead and for them, online mediation course will be a great step that they can lead them towards their success. Moreover, it is a skill that one can use anywhere either in personal life or in professional life. Check out more details on the web. Many people think that the mediation is an easy and simple work, but they are wrong because working as a mediator, you need lots of things like you must know that how to communicate, when you have to communicate, when you have to listen, you have to pay full attention to every single word, using the correct and effective word at the correct time and much more. It is really a powerful skill which needs a lot of attention and care, so if you also want to be a mediator, then you can complete the free online mediation training courses, it will be good to check the details of the courses online. Now a days, lots of people are looking for this kind of course because it will help in their career as well as in personal life. Anyone can do the mediation course whether a person is the working people, students, retired people, housewife, anyone can do the meditation course, it is a training which is also provided online.

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Check the Details of Mediation Courses Online

These days every person wants to achieve success in his or her life, and it is true that people do multiple things to achieve success in their life. If you are working in some organization, then you can involve yourself in the business mediation training because, in every business, there are some disputes or conflicts and resolve that, a business owner has to hire some professional who can resolve the issue at the initial level in a smooth way. Many people don’t know about the mediation course, thus it is important to know that what is the mediation training course? Why to take this course? How one can take the training of mediation? What are the requirements of enrolling in the mediation course? What are the benefits of mediation training? There are many questions in the mind, thus in a simple way, mediation is a skill of a mediator, which helps the other people to resolve their conflicts. At every place, there are many problems and conflicts and at the working place, the conflicts could be between the employer or employee, or it could be between the client or employer or vendor or business owner, the disputes can be between anyone, and all the time hiring a professional is not a good option for the business owner. It will be good to have the experienced mediator at your place because the experienced mediator listens to everything carefully from both parties and took out the fair solution which will be suitable and convenient for both parties. So when you have a skill of business mediator, then they will involve you in the matter and request you for your help to resolve the matter in an effective way and within the room. If you are also interested in completing the mediation training, then you can check the details of mediation courses online, it will help you to complete the course without disturbing the current profession or work. If a company is planning to hire someone for any profile, so a person will get the priority that has a mediation skill along with other requirements. Why does the requirement of the mediator increase? In every company, there are some conflicts and it will be really stressful to attend a courtroom procedure that will be overwhelming. You can also check the details of accredited online mediation courses, the details of the courses available online. If you also want to learn the skills of the mediator, then you have to join the mediation courses, which is available online. With the help of a mediation course, you will become a professional mediator. When you become a certified mediator, then in the commercial place you will have your own image and you become more popular among your colleagues even the management people will also know about you. Many people are confused that how to complete the course without disturbing the current work, then an online course will be the best option.

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Complete Online Mediation Training

These days, every person wants success and visibility in their professional life, and for that, they are ready to take any kind of course. There are many courses available for the people, some courses are common while some courses are rare. Every person does the course as per his or her capability, skill or interest. If you are looking for some course which are trending, then you can check about the mediation course. Many people know about this course along with its benefits while there are a lot of people are not aware of the mediation course, but it is considered one of the best courses in the current trend. It will help you to add skills to your professional life. The mediators have the soft skills of dealing with any serious issues. They learn that how to speak with people, at what time which tone should be used, how to handle the conditions and much more. If you have decided that you want to be trained in the art and science of mediation, then you must have to know that how to select the training program for yourself. The mediation course is organized around a multi-party mediation as well as it deconstructs the mediation process into the teaching modules that include expertise and guidance. The online training mediation includes the exercise, worksheets, and practice about the mediation process. There are special programs and general programs are available, some of the courses are designed to teach the basic skills and practices that all mediators need, while other courses are designed to support the specific programs like a court, government, business, disability, family, etc. The online option is an ideal and effective way to complete the training because a person will get the best mediation training online, so one can attend the training from anywhere. It is important to learn each and everything during the training because the mediator has to take a wise decision which will be fair for both parties. In the course, you will learn a lot of things that will help you to resolve conflicts and help you to become a good mediator. If you are honest, good communicator, negotiators, cool-headed, team player and have an interest in resolving disputes through the mode of negotiation, then you can enroll in a mediation course. You can check the details of the online mediation training certification procedure, and to get the certification, a candidate must have to complete the training or course. It will be good to complete the training or course from the reputed institution or academy because they have the trained teachers and mediator who offers the best training along with the material that helps you to learn everything about the mediation. The mediator has the skill to resolve the issues in an effective way and without taking it to the court or it never involves the legal activities, but still, a mediator resolves the dispute, so both parties will be happy and satisfied.

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Find the Details of Mediation Courses Online

In the education industry, there are many courses available, so a person can choose the course which is common while some choose the course which is rare which are highly in demand in the market. There are many employers who are working in some reputed firm, but still, they want to add some skills in their profile for the better growth in their professional life. These days, a number of people are looking for the mediator to solve their consequences or disputes whether it is commercial or personal. The mediation is a mediator in a dispute who wants to solve it. Now the courses are available to become the mediator. If you also want to learn the skills of the mediator, then you can join the mediation course which is available online or you can join some classes. As there are multiple courses available and one of them is the mediation course. There are different kinds of mediation courses, so you can select the course as per your requirement or interest. During the course, you will learn a lot of things like how to handle the situation, how to communicate, what should be the tone of voice, and much more. The mediation course is designed for conflict resolution professionals who are able to take their skills, practice, and experience to the next level. A professional and trained mediator has required everywhere whether it is at the professional place or for personal conflicts. Anyone can become a mediator, but it needs practice and expertise. If you are working in some company or you are a fresher, then you can enroll yourself for the mediation course because it will be a helpful skill that you can use anywhere in the world. With the help of mediation skills, you will get a different identity in your workplace and in family or friends. It will be good to check the details of the reputed academy or institution to complete the course.  The skill of mediation will add more visibility to your profile and help you to achieve the desired result in your professional life. One can look for mediation training online. All the major topics are covered under the training to train you to become a good mediator. It is very important to take training to become a mediator because a mediator has a huge responsibility. There are many institutions or academies that offer the complete course, and it is a combination of mediation theory and practical knowledge via a self-paced, interactive learning experience. The training is provided by the trained, expert, certified and experienced professionals, they know all the basic and advanced techniques of the mediation training and with their knowledge, they provide the training and trained the other candidates to be an expert mediator. Joining the reputed institution for the course is really the best way to get the certification for a particular skill and you will get more visibility at working place or among your relatives and friends.

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Check the Details of Free Online Mediation Training

There are many options available for the candidates from the career prospects, now time are changing and new career options are open for the candidates who are willing to learn new skills. Currently, people are very possessive about their work and professional life, they want to be the best in their work and want that all people appreciate them. If you are really willing to add skills in your profile, then one of the best training is mediation. Anybody can become a mediator, but it needs proper training and practice and for that, one has to be a part of the mediation course. The people who do such kind of courses are always standing out from the crowd, and they have better job opportunities. You can add mediation skills in your resume, which will make you different from the other candidates. The trained mediators have a lot of qualities which made him renowned in the working place. There are many people who think that they have a quality of the mediator, then why do they need training? Thus, the trained mediator knows very well that how to deal with a situation in a professional way and get a positive result from it. Trained mediators know very well that what kind of words should be used in the mail or communication, how to communicate, what type of sentence will deliver a positive impact on others and much more. If you are looking for mediation training, then you can check the details of narrative mediation training. The training will also help you to become a good person because it helps you to understand the human behaviors, which will assist you in improving the relationship with your family members, friends, relatives or beloved ones. The mediator takes a decision that is completely fair and it will never be one-sided. If you feel that you don't have enough time for enrolling yourself for the full-time course, then you can look for online training. Online training for the mediation course is a suitable and perfect option for the working people because one can attend the classes as per his or her convenient time and in that way, one can have an additional skill in his or her profile. There are many types of courses that people can do to make their career bright as well as to enhance the skills. You can check the details of free online mediation training on the internet, even one can complete the training as per your schedule. If you are looking for mediation training, then you can check the details of online mediation training. The courses are taught by acknowledged experts, the instructors of the academy have mediated some of the most complex cases imaginable. You can look online classes for the mediation course and choose the best out of it because there are many institutions are providing in training, so it should be good to choose the best out of all.

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Take the Online Mediation Training Certification

Currently, every person is career oriented, every person has a desire to be on the top of their professional path. It is not possible for every person to achieve the desired success that he or she is looking for. One of the training that is highly in demand because people understand the importance of mediation training. On the other hand, there are many people that are not aware of the mediation training and its importance. At the present time, there is a high demand of mediator and due to the requirement of the mediator in the industry, candidates are looking for mediation training. If you are working somewhere and want to add more skills to your profile, then you can join the mediation training which will be helpful in your personal and professional life. Every business or company needs the mediator because, in every company, there is some conflict either with an employee, partner or customer, so the mediator will be the professional who takes the initiative and resolve the conflicts in a legal way and without affecting the environments and relationships. If you want to maintain your importance in your office, then it will be the right training course for you because, in every commercial place, there are some disputes and to resolve that dispute, people need the mediator. Many people are busy with their work and due to which they are unable to attend the classes and for that, it will be good to complete the online mediation training certification course. Now a days, people are preferring to become a mediator and many employers or places look for the certified mediator, so it will be good to complete the training and get the certificate. If one wants to perform better and want growth in career, then one must have to do the mediation training because it will have a number of career benefits. For many people, the accredited online mediation courses will be the best option. One can join the online mediation training courses to learn the skills and techniques of a mediator. Even though there are many companies, who book the course for their employees because they know every workplace has some disputes, in that case, these mediators will help them to come out from those issues in an efficient and positive way. For example, if you are an HR professional, trade union representatives, lawyers, advocates, welfare and equality officers, workplace managers, team leaders, business executive, NHS, government workers or the military leaders, then you can check out the details of accredited mediation training courses, it will be the best option for you to have a growth in your career. At the present time, every workplace has a trained mediator because he or she helps a lot in resolving several internal or external issues. They know very well how to deal with a condition, and how to resolve a problem in an effective way, so if you want a place at your workplace, then complete the mediation course.