Developing mediation skills?

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Mediation skills depend on knowledge of the underlying issue and specific training in negotiation and conflict resolution. Specialized training can be obtained by taking university courses in topics related to dispute resolution or by enrolling in a mediator training program with a targeted curriculum. Success as a mediator also depends on developing certain soft skills.

There are no nationally or internationally accredited instructional or graduate courses available for mediation professionals. While alternative dispute resolution has enjoyed increasing popularity around the world, universal standards setting has lagged behind the demand for services. Skill requirements for mediators differ depending on the jurisdiction and context of disputes.

You can build initial mediation skills by taking any class related to negotiation or conflict resolution at a college or university. These classes tend to be part of the general curriculum of academic courses such as business, social sciences, law, and humanities. Law schools, in particular, often offer one or two courses specializing in alternative dispute resolution, as this field has substantial legal foundations. You don’t have to go to law school to be a mediator, though.

The main way to develop mediation skills is through continuing education and training options offered outside the university context. There are training programs available from experts and various industry organizations in almost every jurisdiction where mediation is practised. Courts will also sanction certain courses for mediators as an eligibility criterion if the mediator wants to work in that court’s system. Skill development depends not only on taking these courses once, but on continually taking courses to stay current on developments in the field.

You can also develop mediation skills by working as an intern for a more experienced professional. Many organizations that use mediators require that you have a certain number of supervised hours with a veteran mediator before you can handle cases on your own. This is the best way to acquire practical skills in a real-world environment.

There are also several prestigious mediation programs around the world offered by leading universities as part of advanced studies for executive education. In the US, Harvard University established the Harvard Institute of Negotiation and the Negotiation Program. This training program is designed for experienced executives who want to add alternative dispute resolution techniques to their repertoire.

Mediation skills also depend on a set of skills that need to be developed and cultivated. Posture, composure, and a neutral demeanor are all required of a mediator to create a comfortable atmosphere for parties to a dispute. These types of skills can usually be acquired by getting involved in extracurricular activities with leadership skills.

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