What is the role of a mediator in conflict resolution?

1 What is mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process of conflict resolution, in which a neutral and impartial person, called a mediator, helps the parties communicate, understand each other's perspectives, and explore options for resolving their issues. The mediator does not impose any decision or judgment on the parties, but rather supports them in finding their own solutions that meet their needs and interests. Mediation can be used for various types of conflicts, such as workplace, commercial, family, community, or international disputes.

3 What are the skills of a mediator?

A mediator requires a set of skills and competencies to perform their role effectively and ethically. These include communication skills, such as active listening, asking open-ended and clarifying questions, and avoiding jargon and bias. Facilitation skills are also essential, such as guiding the process, managing time and emotions, and encouraging collaboration. Problem-solving skills are also necessary for helping the parties identify their issues, interests, and goals, as well as negotiating agreements. Finally, ethical skills are a must for adhering to mediation principles and standards such as neutrality, impartiality, confidentiality, voluntariness, self-determination, and fairness.

4 What are the challenges of mediation?

Mediation is not a perfect or easy process, and it may face some challenges or limitations that can affect its effectiveness or suitability. For example, it may not be appropriate for conflicts involving violence, abuse, power imbalance, or legal rights and obligations. Additionally, it may not be successful if the parties are not willing or able to participate, communicate, or cooperate, or if they have unrealistic or incompatible expectations or demands. Furthermore, it may not be respected or enforced if the parties do not abide by their agreements, or if the agreements are not legally binding or recognized by other authorities. Lastly, it may not be impartial or fair if the mediator is not qualified, trained, experienced, has a conflict of interest, bias, or influence over the parties or the outcome.

5 How to choose a mediator?

Choosing a mediator is an important decision that can affect the outcome and the quality of the mediation process. Therefore, when selecting a mediator, the parties should take into account factors such as the type and complexity of the conflict, the qualifications and credentials of the mediator, their style, approach, and techniques, their availability and accessibility, as well as their reputation, references, and feedback. Furthermore, they should also consider the specific needs and interests of the parties, their familiarity with the subject matter and context of the conflict, their compatibility with the parties' preferences and expectations, their willingness to accommodate schedules and locations, and their trustworthiness and credibility among stakeholders.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?