My conviction that safe and easy communication is the foundation for respectful and productive workplaces is no secret.  Having permission to approach a difficult conversation, and then having the skills to execute your words safely and easily is empowering; yet many individuals (and organisations) lack the resources, training or experience to effectively facilitate these conversations. This is where mediation may help. A mediator is a neutral third-party, involved purely to encourage and enable a safe time and place for parties to communicate, understand and navigate a way forward, empowering them to negotiate to a mutually acceptable outcome.

When we are in conflict many of us struggle to see any side but our own, our preferred option to conflict is often to shut down, gossip or dig our heals in.  Mediation offers a proactive response to safely raise and discuss issues and thus minimise their impact and perhaps even provide opportunities for learning and change in the team/workplace.

When I first looked into completing a mediator’s course I was simply looking for something that might complement Respect at Work training and keep my brain busy during COVID quiet times. 

Through my course I found something much richer and more substantial than just a complementary skill. 

ADR (alternate dispute resolution) makes so much sense, I have never been satisfied that litigation produces great change or growth, but mediation (as a form of ADR), provides a process that gives people the chance to be heard and to hear.

Mediation provides a genuine opportunity to listen and understand another’s perspective while they listen to understand yours.  A well-trained mediator helps to guide both parties through this process, navigating through impasses to find common ground and making sure all parties feel heard and understood – this we learnt through MANY long-drawn out, worst case scenario roleplays.  My final 2-hour, on-line, mediation role-play for accreditation had me tense and sweating but I loved it – what a buzz!

Workplace training will forever be my career of choice, facilitating safe communication keeps me happy 😊 – perhaps this is why workplace mediation just seems to make good sense.

Respect at Work provides workplace mediation – contact us now to discuss if mediation is suitable for your situation