Mediation SkillsNathaniel D. Danjibo, Ph.D

The 3 Ps of Mediation

1. People (People are at the centre of any mediation process);

2. Process (The process of mediation determines the outcome; a good process leads to a good outcome and a bad process leads to a bad outcome)

3. Problem (There has to be a problem before mediation takes place).

Qualities of a Good Mediator

PatienceSharp probing skillsAttentivenessIntegrityImpartialityEmpathyTolerance of high emotions

ImaginativeAbility to directAbility to ConfrontHigh credibilityLow need for recognition

Mediation Skills

Building good rapport with disputantsActive listeningAnalytical problem-solving skills (ability to

decipher and separate problem issues)The use of clear and simple languageSensitivity to strong held valuesAbility to deal with complex materials

Perseverance and persistenceAbility to maintain neutralitySensitivity to power imbalance

Specific Skills in Mediation

• Earn and develop trust to maintain acceptability.

• To convert parties’ positions into needs and interests.

• Screen out those issues that can not be mediated.

• Invent creative options.• Identify principles and criteria that will guide

their decision making.• Assess their non settlement alternatives.• Make their own informed choices.• Assess whether their agreement can be

implemented.

The Role of Knowledge in Mediation

• Familiarity with existing standards of practice covering the dispute resolution process and commonly encountered ethical dilemmas.

• Knowledge of the range of available dispute resolution processes, so that, where appropriate, cases can be referred to a more suitable process this includes the Staff Grievance Procedure.

• Knowledge of the institutional policies including Bullying and Harassment Policy.

• Knowledge of the institutional context in which the dispute arose and can be settled.

• Knowledge of the process that will be used to resolve the dispute if no agreement is reached.

• Where parties’ legal rights and remedies are involved, awareness of the legal standards that would be applicable if the case were taken to a court or other legal forum.

• Adherence to ethical standards.

•Than you!