REASONS FOR LEARNING MEDIATION SKILLS

I just completed another training program for people interested in learning mediation skills. I’ve always been interested in the reasons non-attorneys give for enrolling in the training.

 The following are reasons given by those participants in the class:

“I thought the training would expand my skills in my current job.”

“To improve my conflict resolution skills to work better with co-workers and clients.”

“To improve my listening skills.”

“To work better with the people in my church and with my store customers.”

“To see if I’d like to do this as a career.”

“To find out if this is a way I could give back to my community.”

“To learn new strategies in conflict resolution in order to better serve parents and students.”

 Typically, people give two major reasons:

1.) To improve their skills in the workplace.
2.) To determine if mediation is a way they could be of service to their communities.

 Interestingly, post training evaluation reveals an unanticipated outcome for most participants:
“I find I’m using mediation skills with my family every day now.”

 I frequently tell classes that in some ways learning mediation skills is like learning first aid. Just as I wish more people learn first aid, I wish more and more people learn mediation skills.

I believe we would all benefit.