CAN ANYONE BECOME A MEDIATOR? SHOULD EVERYONE?

My answer to both questions in “Yes,” but with an explanation.

There is a difference between calling one’s self a mediator and offering mediation services and using mediation skills in one’s family and in the workplace.

But in order to officially become a mediator, one should complete a training program. I recommend classes offered by Community Mediation Centers, as these are inexpensive and offer opportunities to volunteer and serve the community. You can search for your nearest location online or visit the National Association for Community Mediation website at www.nafcm.org. Some local courts either offer classes or recommend local training programs. There are also commercial training programs, which can be expensive.

I’ve conducted training programs for mediations for decades. Some who took the class have gone on to professional careers, most became volunteer mediators, but all have reported how the skills they developed during the training helped them both professionally and personally. I did, however, have one person tell me they discovered becoming a mediator wasn’t for them. When asked why, they said, “Because I learned I can’t stop telling people what to do.”

——————————————————————————————————————————————————--

Fred Jandt is the author of several books, including his latest, “How To Survive a Mediation.”