Mediation Training

Mediation has become one of the most successful and predominant approaches to conflict resolution in recent years, providing a much needed alternative to expensive, adversarial dispute resolution processes such as litigation or arbitration. The goal of a mediator is to facilitate in a neutral manner the communication and problem solving between people who are in conflict so that they can reach their own mutually acceptable resolutions. 

The typical mediation workshop is intended to help people become effective mediators and participants in the mediation process. These skills may be used internally within a company or other organization as well as externally and more formally by people wishing to start a mediation practice or operate more strategically as an advocate in mediation. The individual topic areas (mediation) covered in a longer mediation workshop can be isolated and combined as desired by the client in shorter formats.

Mediation Workshop

A typical mediation workshop explores the nature of conflict, the behavior and psychology of people in conflict and common stylistic approaches to conflict management. These sessions also cover critical negotiation theory as the underpinning of a mediation, the role of the mediator as neutral facilitator of the parties’ negotiation, different models or mediator styles, and the design and structure of an effective mediation. While building this framework, we cover critical communication skills needed by mediators and participants in the process as well as specialized topics such as use of caucus, working with advocates, confidentiality and effective alternatives analysis. Participants leave these workshops with a solid foundation for respectfully assisting others with conflict resolution in a wide variety of contexts.

Individual Mediation Training Topics

  • Understanding the real motivators on your side and theirs
  • Managing the tension between competition and cooperation
  • Planning for success
  • Principal and agent preparation for negotiation and teamwork in negotiation
  • Making the most of your negotiation style (and theirs)
  • Enhancing creativity and creating value
  • Managing the money dance and claiming value
  • Becoming a master of persuasion
  • Dealing with tactics
  • Designing process to prevent impasse and promote collaboration
  • Conducting an alternatives analysis (BATNA)
  • Critical communication skills
  • The art of listening
  • Grace under fire – managing difficult negotiators and communication
  • Overcoming Impasse
  • Ethics – fairness, integrity and deception in negotiation
  • Gender issues in negotiation