This is the last in our mini-series on Mediation for the time being, and we hope it has been helpful to you. We have previously discussed what mediation is and why it is so important in Labour and Industrial Relations as a precursor to more serious conflict resolution.
We also looked at the ‘power’ of mediation and how it can foster understanding, improve relationships, and promote productivity. Additionally, we looked at the ‘process’ of mediation where we explored the stages and techniques used to facilitate successful mediation. If you missed any of these they can be found here - Business Tools | Platinum Business. Now we get to the hands-on issue of how to become an effective mediator in the workplace.
The qualities required to become an effective workplace mediator
The qualities required to become an effective workplace mediator
There are certain essential qualities required to become an effective workplace Mediator so to help you to understand the role of a mediator in facilitating constructive discussions these are…
Leadership skills - good leadership skills are essential as good leaders are always good listeners and that is the essence of resolving workplace conflict.
A coaching ability – Usually people who are good Coaches are also good mediators, because to fully understand the wants and needs of all parties in an organisation is key to their success.
Good communication – Good communication with all parties gets them around the table to talk – and then communicating with total transparency to all parties what has been resolved is also required.
Focussing on the other - It is a great help in the mediation process for the Mediator to be able to help the parties to learn to focus on the situation of the other party. Once you can see the other person’s point of view you are usually halfway to resolving any conflict.
Redeveloping trust – The final part of the process and an important one is to redevelop the party's trust and liking for each other if any great animosity has been involved. As you can see this is why good coaching skills and even being something of a Phycologist can all assist in successful mediation.
The personality of a good Mediator
A good Mediator is a person who needs to have empathy and patience, fairness, so as to be non-judgemental, persistence, optimism and good at finding creative solutions. Oh and by the way, a good sense of humour also won’t hurt!
The differences between mediation and arbitration
The differences between mediation and arbitration
It also helps to know the differences between Mediation and Arbitration. Essentially Mediation is more collaborative, voluntary and non-binding and involves the facilitation of a Mediator who attempts to find a quicker, less complex resolution. This is another whole subject though and can get complicated, so it is best to seek the help of good Labour and Industrial Relations experts to determine which action to follow.
Watch out for more advice
Watch out for more advice
We pride ourselves on keeping our valued clients as up-to-date as possible when it comes to all matters relating to Labour and Industrial Relations. As previously stated, this is the last in the mediation series for now but this is a huge subject so it may be revisited at a future stage.
You can also rest assured that the will be far more advice on all matters relating to running and building a successful business because Platinum Business Solutions is a multi-faceted facilitator of many vital services to all businesses large or small.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you to unleash the power of your business, with constantly evolving development and business solutions.