What steps can you take to build a successful career as a mediator in the public sector?

Mediators need to remember that the parties have not met you before. You are a stranger who is hoping that those same parties will immediately share their deepest hopes and fears with you. You as the mediator need to quickly build a relationship of trust. The parties need to LIKE you. You must be your AUTHENTIC self. The parties will see through surface charm and insincerity very quickly. Real empathy requires that you are YOUR REAL SELF.

What is the most difficult challenge for a mediator? It is to understand your role as a facilitator and not a decision-maker. Your opinion and ideas don't matter. Read that last sentence again. If you can't accept that completely, then being a mediator may not be for you. How do I know this? I have been a mediator for more than a couple of decades. I also led instruction for mediators to become certified.

It is important to be genuine. There is no guarantee the dispute will settle. If you build a relationship where a seed has been planted for deep reflection after the impasse then the mediation was fruitful. The mediator can help build a bridge for resolving the dispute by not being phony and truly caring about the outcome.

> formal mediation training to acquire techniques like conflict resolution, negotiation, communication > > mediate community disputes to gain direct hands-on experience before professional mediation > a strong network within the public sector by joining industry associations & non-profit boards > research government & public institutions to identify growing mediation needs that could fill > highlight success resolving complex multiparty conflicts in previous roles, through case studies > model integrity, neutrality & cultural sensitivity - core tenets of effective mediation

That's why it's important when you are engaging with a mediator you haven't met or experienced before, "everyone" is part of that hire. Expecting people to totally be open with someone they feel uncomfortable with is setting the mediation up to fail. The mediator needs a bio to share and i personally think pre introductions on an individual basis before a decision to hire is really important. You soon get a feel for the mediators style, skills etc. It's not about liking them, its do you trust them....you'll know

As you would guess, choosing the right education program is critical. I recommend learning about the instructors and the content. Another factor is to review the balance between the teaching of theory and the practical work. The practical must include effective role playing. An ideal program will also include a practicum in which you mediate real cases with supervision. You can learn the mediation process but you will only effectively adopt it if you can practice it. There is no substitute?for that.

Being accredited by a reputable body is important. The content of the training needs to be realistic too to the type of mediation you wish to undertake. Whilst the principals of mediation are similar, there are nuances that have to be recognised for example workplace assessment v's Family Mediation. Do your due diligence on what the training consists of, you don't get to be a mediator just reading from a manual. Practical application in a classroom with role play plus follow up on observing on live sessions where you can, networking and looking at changes in law/process etc all form part of your portfolio of expertise

To become a mediator, it's crucial to get hands-on experience and make connections. Joining mediator associations can be beneficial. Not only will you learn from experts, but you'll also get to network and discover job openings. Think of it as a mix of practical training and building relationships in the mediation world.

Speak to lawyers and get feedback from them on what they like in their mediator. Marketing is important. As a lawyer you would promote your legal practice you also want to promote your mediation practice.

Mediation is like a calling. You grow in the role. Critical thinking becomes second nature, you do not judge, advocate or direct. You simply facilitate with a clear concern for all parties to get a fair share of the pie.