My Wishes to Mediation Students in Rwanda and all Aspiring Mediators
Rwanda, the verdant country of a thousand hills, stands as a stark reminder of what happens when we allow hatred to triumph over humanity. While best known for its genocidal past, yet striving not to be defined by it, Rwanda leads the African continent in implementing a broad policy of conflict resolution throughout its society. […]
Certified mediator? The Sparrow and the Peacock
Having taught mediation skills for over twenty-five years and, more recently, having developed an online mediation training curriculum, it’s only natural that I stand as a zealous proponent of mediation training. It follows then, that I am increasingly alarmed by the number of mediators entering the profession who have little or no training, and even […]
Artificial Intelligence in Mediation: What the Future Holds for Mediators
IMAGE 1 Artificial intelligence (AI) for helping mediate disputes has begun to gain traction. Although it might not yet be commonplace, it is on its way to playing a pivotal role in conflict resolution, providing mediators with tools and functionalities that streamline the mediation process, offer data-driven insights, and help manage communications and negotiations. The […]
What is the Difference Between Mediation and Arbitration?
Arbitration and mediation share a common lineage as alternatives to the traditional legal system of court and jury trials. Known as different forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), they are both intended to offer less expensive, more efficient outside-of-courtroom approaches to resolving disputes than afforded by more formal litigation. Yet there, the similarities end. The […]
Average Settlement Offers During Mediation
I was asked by a journalist recently about the average settlement offers in mediation. And while his search for understanding is laudable, the question itself is misguided. What’s wrong with asking about average settlement offers in mediation? Mediation, a form of alternative dispute resolution, is best defined as a facilitated negotiation. At its core, it […]
Rethinking Basic Mediation Training: Essential Skills
The key to developing true mediation competency begins with “me” In addition to basic mediation training, what do mediators need to improve their mediation competency? While mediation skills training remains vital to the practice of mediation, the key to developing mediation competency begins with self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-management. Before determining how we can effectively assist […]
Essential Considerations for Online Mediation Training
Since the Covid-19 shutdown and the increase in remote working, there has been an increase in online mediation training courses. While this reinforces the positive trend toward mediation, it also heralds the need for greater scrutiny and discernment between course offerings. Before you jump at the first course you see, look closely at the following […]
A Roadmap to Build a Successful Mediation Career
Many students in our mediation training programs ask about the steps they should take to translate their professional training into a successful mediation career. While an education and a high-quality mediation training program are essential for laying the foundation of a career, they are not the ultimate indicators of a successful career in mediation. What […]
A Case for Forgiveness in Mediation
What is the Role of Forgiveness in Mediation? Forgiveness can be a powerful and transformative element in mediation and conflict resolution. While forgiveness is not always the main goal in mediation, it can create a conducive environment for amicably resolving conflicts. The case for forgiveness in mediation stems not just from its potential to facilitate […]
How to Become a Mediator in California
Opportunities for mediators in California continue to expand. In a state of its size with a large and diverse population and a robust economy exposed to market-driven and social pressures, the number of disputes is bound to rise. And rising caseloads are straining judicial resources, causing backlogs of cases and delays for disputants in getting […]