Navigating the complexities of a workplace dispute requires a mediator with a unique set of skills. Some skills can be taught, some skills can be acquired over time, and some skills come naturally. All the skills required to resolve a dispute are not unique to mediators – individuals in all sorts of rolls, may find they have the necessary skills to become a workplace mediator. Do you? Find out below:
1. Identifying conflict
A good workplace mediator will have the ability to identify conflict and take steps to address it before it escalates. Where the conflict has escalated to the point of requiring a mediation session, the mediator will need to identify areas of future conflict and how the behaviour or conduct of a party may exacerbate the situation. The mediator can then take steps to avoid this happening.
2. Investigating Skills
A workplace mediator must be quick to grasp the issues and gain an understanding of the dispute. Failure to do so will result in increased frustration for the parties, born of a sense of not being heard. Are you able to process large amounts of information and identify the salient points?
It’s important to be able to identify the underlying issues, which may not be immediately obvious. Observation and questioning skills are essential in identifying the issues and exploring the options to resolve the conflict.
3. Communication skills
Do you have good listening skills? This is imperative in a workplace mediator looking to build rapport with a client and encouraging them to share information which may help resolve the conflict. Most of the time, people in conflict just want to be heard. It is a real skill to make someone feel heard, whilst at the same time ensuring they are not monopolising the conversation.
Are you able to succinctly paraphrase and relay information? Being able to absorb information and share it with others is a common skill set found in lots of different roles in society. A good mediator will possess this skill through training and experience. Remember – sharing the wrong information could make the situation worse!
4. Empathy
Knowing when to show empathy without losing impartiality is a skill lots of mediators struggle with in the beginning. Through time and experience a workplace mediator will come to realise, showing too much empathy could cause an individual to think you are on their ‘side’. This makes it difficult when you are asking them to find a compromise to resolve the dispute. Meanwhile, not showing enough empathy or showing no empathy at all will make it difficult to build trust with a client, who will then be less engaged in the mediation process and reluctant to find compromises leading to resolution.
Being naturally empathetic is a really great foundation for anyone considering career in mediation.
5. Problem solving skills
Identifying solutions instead of problems is a transferable skill from lots of careers. Being able to think outside the box and find creative solutions to problems is an essential skill of any mediator. However, the real key to being a successful mediator is allowing the parties to identify the solution themselves – an essential skill you will develop on our mediation foundation training course.
Are you looking to become a mediator?
If you think you possess the skills and qualities of a good mediator, you could develop those skills further though our mediation foundation training courses and become an accredited civil and workplace mediator, enjoying a successful and rewarding career helping others to find peace. Take a look at our dedicated Mediation Training page with details regarding our upcoming Training dates. Alternatively please find out more information in our latest guide ‘how to become a mediator‘.
If you wish to discuss a career in Mediation, please do no hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team.
