Kevin Anderson’s Journey - The Value of Mediation Training for Public Service Professionals

Kevin Anderson , the Hennepin County Minnesota Commissioner for District 7, transitioned from a successful career in IT to public service in 2020. With two decades of experience in building technical solutions, Kevin brought a strong foundation of problem-solving to his role as a commissioner. However, it was Mediation Center 's training that provided him with essential skills to navigate the complexities of public service effectively.

The Challenges of Public Service

Working in public service presents unique challenges, especially when dealing with diverse stakeholders who often have competing interests. Before joining our mediation training, Kevin approached his work with patience and understanding, but he found the training helped to "emphasize and focus" these qualities in a more structured way. "In public service, you often face situations where people feel unheard or frustrated," Kevin explained. "Mediation training taught me to approach every interaction, remembering that the other side is approaching the same thing with good intent. This mindset is crucial when trying to build consensus and address conflicts."

Applying Mediation Skills in Daily Work

One of the most valuable skills Kevin gained from the training was active listening—a critical tool for anyone in public service. "I try to make sure that I am engaging with the person I'm talking to and really understand their position," Kevin shared. By restating and clarifying what he hears, Kevin avoids making assumptions and ensures that all voices are heard. This approach has been instrumental in resolving conflicts and finding mutually beneficial solutions in the often adversarial environment of public service. "At the core of this, it is about listening and trying to find out what is really being asked for," he said, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.

Building Relationships through Mediation

Beyond the technical skills, Kevin was surprised by the camaraderie that developed among his fellow trainees. "One thing that really stands out to me from the course was the camaraderie with my fellow classmates," he recalled. This shared experience is valuable in public service, where building relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders is essential for effective collaboration. The connections Kevin made during the training continue to benefit his work, helping him navigate the complex relationships that are part of his daily responsibilities.

The Impact of Mediation Training

For professionals in public service, mediation training offers indispensable tools for resolving conflicts, building consensus, and fostering collaboration. As Kevin’s experience demonstrates, the ability to listen actively, understand diverse perspectives, and approach interactions with empathy is critical for success. "This kind of training has really helped me take a step back and reevaluate how I'm approaching each interaction," Kevin noted. For anyone working in public service, mediation training is a valuable investment in their ability to serve effectively.

Do you like what you read here? Follow Mediation Center to never miss an update and read more stories in our Graduate Feature Series by clicking the links below:

• The Art of Listening Deeply: Jessica Shryack's Journey
• Bridging the Gap from Mental Health to Mediation: Lindsay Bruckner's Journey
• Building Bridges Across Differences: Abdi Ali's Journey
• The Transformative Power of Mediation - Jay Hoecker's Journey

Learn more about Mediation Center 's most popular trainings by reading this article:

• Understanding the Difference Between 30-Hour Civil and 40-Hour Family Mediation Training

Or visit our Training Page to learn more about us and our programs.