TOT 88: Logic behind pre-briefing and debriefing

Pre briefing is done before the roleplay is begun. Debriefing is done after the entire role play is completed or after each stage in the role play is completed.

Pre briefing gives a road map to the mediator – as to what needs to be done.

Debriefing makes the mediator understand what was rightly done, what was not done, What ought to have been done etc.

What debriefing the trainer tells the mediator:

1. If there was an incorrect understanding of the concept/s, which was reflected in the conduct of the mediation process by the mediator.
2. Whether the mediator used the right techniques and skills?
3. If not, where did the mediator err?
4. What ought to have been done and when and how?
5. What should not have been done and why?
6. Areas in which the mediator has to improvise.

The objective behind pre-briefing and debriefing:

If the trainees are introduced to this process of pre-briefing and debriefing, in their actual mediations they will incorporate the principles of pre-briefing and debriefing.

Using the technique of Pre briefing:

Mediator will begin each and every session with a road map- as to what needs to be done and how. The mediator will have plan A and B and Plan C also, if the situation so demands.

Thus the mediator gives a self pre-briefing to himself/herself as to what needs to be done and why. This is virtually effectively using the technique of ‘setting an agenda’.

Using technique of debriefing:

This is a process of personal reflection. After each session mediator does a debriefing to himself/herself. The mediator takes stock of what went on well and what did not go well, and what was the reason for the setback.

Even after the closure of mediation, even where the mediation has ended with a settlement agreement, the mediator should not miss on this process of debriefing.

Mediator has to reflect on : 

1. What was the best part of said mediation?
2. What made the parties enter into a settlement?
3. Where did the mediator bring a touching difference in the process of resolution of the dispute by playing the role of a facilitator?
4. Whether there was any impasse? What was the type of impasse? How did the mediator assist the parties to break the impasse?
5. What more could have been done by the Mediator, notwithstanding the fact that the matter ended in the settlement?
6. What could have been avoided by the mediator?
7. Where did the mediator go wrong?
8. In which area should the mediator improvise?

Trainer’s role:

As more and more role plays are being introduced to the trainees, after meticulously following the process of pre-briefing and debriefing before and after each role play, the trainer has to tell the trainees as to how the pre briefing and debriefing practice has to be internalized by them, and they should be doing it before and after every session in every live mediations.

“Let’s hear it for the essential daily briefing, however hollow and empty it might be. We’ll do it.”

Donald Rumsfeld
American Politician

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