- Create a Safe Space: A mediator should make sure parties feel comfortable and respected. This sets the stage for open, honest dialogue.
- Active Listening: Mediator should do a good bit more listening than speaking. They should show you they are genuinely interested in understanding each party’s perspective.
- Stay Neutral: Your mediator is there to facilitate a constructive conversation, not to take sides. They must maintain an unbiased stance to help both parties feel heard and fairly treated.
- Encourage Empathy: Mediators should help each party see the situation from the other party’s point of view. This can break down barriers and build mutual understanding.
- Focus on Interests, Not Positions: Mediators are not merely negotiators. They should delve deeper to uncover the underlying needs and interests of each party, rather than just their stated positions.
- Manage Emotions: Mediators keep the conversation calm and productive. If emotions run high, they will take a break or address the feelings before returning to problem-solving.
- Patience and Persistence: Mediating effectively can be a lengthy process. Mediators should remain patient, staying focused on the end goals of understanding and resolution.
- Clear Communication: Mediators encourage clear and concise communication by clarifying, paraphrasing, and summarizing what is being said. Misunderstandings often derail the mediation process.
- Set Ground Rules: Mediators encourage parties to adopt rules for communicating such as not interrupting, speaking respectfully, and refraining from verbal attacks.
- Document Agreements: Mediators are trained to document the terms of resolution clearly, concisely, and completely. Doing so helps ensure everyone understands and is committed to the agreed-upon solution. Ambiguous, incomplete mediation agreements may lead to frustration, anger making matters worse.
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