Mediation

IDevice Icon Mediation Defined

Mediation is a voluntary procedure conducted by a neutral third party that usually maintains confidentiality. The mediator facilitates communication between pre-service administrators which can assist parties in resolving a dispute or enable them to reach an agreement.

Mediation is assisted negotiation or an extension of the negotiation process in which the mediator listens to both arguments and assists the disputants in reaching a consensus.

 

Reach In, Reach Out, Reach Over: Conflict Management Pilot Program In North Carolina, North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention – Center for the Prevention of School Violence Raleigh, North Carolina (2002)


Effective mediators have:

Mind map of mediator qualities


  • Humility
  • Patience
  • Sensitivity
  • Empathy
  • Credibility







IDevice Icon Words to the Wise
"Sometimes, a difference runs so deep that talking about it just won't help. In this case, having a third person present may neutralize the tension and balance the bully's power. It can be a friend of both parties.

Mediation is a possibility. When both parties need to maintain a working relationship, it's useful to cooperate on a project that helps achieve a shared interest. Working toward a common goal will humanize the other person and, over time, reduce animosity."

Michael Wessells, Ph.D., professor of clinical population and family health at Columbia University and the Christian Children's Fund's senior adviser on child protection

 


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