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mediation training

What is Mediation Training?

More and more, managers have begun to see value in securing mediation training for themselves and their employees. 

In mediation, a neutral third party tries to help parties in conflict hammer out a resolution that is sustainable, voluntary, and non-binding. Although there are times when the services of an unbiased, professional mediator are needed, there may also be instances in which employees can use mediation training and skills to resolve their conflicts swiftly and effectively in-house.

One of the most important parts of mediation training, however, is recognizing that, like any negotiation, building a relationship with your counterpart is key. According to a survey by Northwestern University law professor Stephen Goldberg, veteran mediators believe that establishing rapport is more critical to effective mediation than employing specific meditation techniques and tactics. To gain parties’ trust and confidence, rapport must be genuine: “You can’t fake it,” one respondent said. 

Mediation training can help you and your colleagues:

  • Air negative emotions with the goal of being heard and understood;
  • Listen to criticism and complaints without becoming defensive;
  • Brainstorm solutions that would satisfy all parties involved; and
  • Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable mediating disputes.

The mediation training itself may come in the form of a highly participatory in-person class that includes lectures, discussions, videos, role-plays, and simulation exercises. Assignments may also include research papers on specific topics relating to mediation, graded simulations, mediator memoranda, journal-keeping, and analysis of specific mediations.

If you want to understand the mediation process and why it’s a powerful business tool, download your free special report, Mediation Secrets for Better Business Negotiations: Top Techniques from Mediation Training Experts, from the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. Get insights into why mediation is the preferred method of dispute resolution for most managers. Download your FREE copy today.

The following items are tagged mediation training:

Mediation Training: What Can You Expect?

Posted by & filed under Mediation.

Organizations have long recognized the value of hiring professional mediators to help resolve disputes. More and more, managers have begun to also see value in securing mediation training for themselves and their employees. Although there are times when the services of an unbiased, professional mediator are needed, there may also be instances in which employees … Read Mediation Training: What Can You Expect?

NEW! Harvard Mediation Intensive

Posted by & filed under Harvard Mediation Intensive.

Led by mediation experts Audrey Lee and Alain Lempereur, the Harvard Mediation Intensive delves into mediation principles and processes through interactive presentations and hands-on exercises. From employment and business disagreements to public and international conflicts, you will discover effective ways to enable parties to settle their differences across a variety of contexts. … Read NEW! Harvard Mediation Intensive

Teaching Mediation: Exercises to Help Students Acquire Mediation Skills

Posted by & filed under Teaching Negotiation.

Often, disputing parties are unable achieve satisfactory or sustainable outcomes on their own through direct negotiation, and require the assistance of a mediator or facilitator. Mediators can help parties involved in a dispute through examining the issues at hand, uncovering the parties’ underlying interests, and identifying creative solutions. To act as mediator requires a great … Read More

Harvard Mediation Intensive

Posted by & filed under Harvard Mediation Intensive.

Led by mediation experts Audrey Lee and Alain Lempereur, the Harvard Mediation Intensive delves into mediation principles and processes through interactive presentations and hands-on exercises. From employment and business disagreements to public and international conflicts, you will discover effective ways to enable parties to settle their differences across a variety of contexts. … Read Harvard Mediation Intensive

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Training: Mediation Curriculum

Posted by & filed under Mediation.

In 2009, we collected many types of curriculum materials from teachers and trainers who attended the Mediation Pedagogy Conference. We received general materials about classes on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as well as highly specific and idiosyncratic units like Conflict Resolution through Literature: Romeo and Juliet and a negotiating training package for female managers … Read More

Mediation and Conflict Management Seminar: Attend in Person or Online!

Posted by & filed under Teaching Negotiation.

The Mediation and Conflict Management Seminar starts Monday January 27 – don’t miss your last chance to register!  The Program on Negotiation (PON) offers a semester-length seminar on mediation and conflict management designed to raise your awareness of your own approach to conflict. Led by David Seibel and Stevenson Carlebach, renowned mediators and dynamic instructors, this … Read More

A Common Ground Approach to Societal Conflict Resolution

Posted by & filed under Events, International Negotiation, Student Events.

The Program on Negotiation is pleased to present:

A Common Ground Approach to Societal Conflict Resolution with

John Marks President and Founder of Search for Common Ground and

Susan Collin Marks Senior Vice President of Search for Common Ground Monday, October 15th, 2012 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Wasserstein 2004 Harvard Law School Campus Please bring your own lunch; soft drinks and cookies will be served About … Read More

Summary of Mediation Pedagogy Conference Participant Survey Results

Posted by & filed under Daily, Mediation, Pedagogy at PON.

To better understand the teaching needs of the mediation community, Negotiation Pedagogy at the Program on Negotiation (NP@PON) organized a Mediation Pedagogy Conference in May of 2009. In advance of the conference, an 18-question online survey was sent to the 175 conference presenters and registered participants. The 75% response rate allowed us to illuminate important … Read More

Mediation Pedagogy Conference

Posted by & filed under Daily, Events, Pedagogy at PON, Webcasts.

Registration is now closed for the NP@PON Mediation Pedagogy Conference. Professors Lawrence Susskind (MIT) and Michael Wheeler (Harvard Business School) are pleased to announce a Mediation Pedagogy Conference to be held by Negotiation Pedagogy at the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School (NP@PON). This two-day Conference will be held Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May … Read Mediation Pedagogy Conference