Pomodoro technique is a time management technique propounded by Francesco Cirillo, a German Italian Programmer and a global specialist in mentoring. Its name originates from a tomato (Promodoro in Italian) shaped timer.
It helps an individual to concentrate and focus on things to be done at the present, without allowing the boredom factors or restlessness to distract. It makes the competition of a task enjoyable.
A timer is used to break any task/work into intervals of 25 minutes in length with a short break of five minutes in between.
The same method can be applied in the mediation process with suitable changes.
Pomodoro Technique helps a mediator to improve productivity with in the available time. By applying this method Mediator can see the result and progress after each session. Uncontrolled non productive lengthy sessions causing fatigue to the mediator and the participants can be avoided.
STEPS
- Identify the task.
- Divide the task into “X” number of sessions
- Allocate time for the same.
- Keep the timer.
- Once a session time gets over, do not continue it for any reason.
- Give a break of five minutes
- Move on to the next session.
- Follow the same till the end.
Trainer’s role
While giving the role play trainer allocates maximum time for each of the stages.
- Opening statement: 10 minutes
- Joint session: 15 minutes for each of the parties and respective counsels
- summing up: 5 minutes
- Private session: 25 minutes with each of the parties
Trainee playing the role of mediator is asked to keep the timer and work.
This helps the mediator and other participants to complete the role play on time.
The same methodology with suitable changes can be asked to be applied in actual mediations.
The number of sessions and allocation of time for each of the sessions is to be decided by the mediator using the technique of “setting the agenda”.
Mediator informs the parties/participants in mediation about the time allocated. If something remains incomplete, a further slot can be allotted by the mediator for the same. However once specific time is allotted, that session has to be completed on time. Next session for continuation may have to be rescheduled. It is not desirable to continue the same session beyond the allocated time.
Adopting this technique ensures transparency, impartiality and procedural Justice. It reflects professionalism on the part of the mediator. Even participants/disputing parties get to understand that mediation is a structured and guided process. When something needs to be done in a given time, people work with focus. They start thinking and working on what is important.
“Time isn’t the main thing. It’s the only thing.”
Miles Davis
American Trumpeter, Bandleader, Composer
Training of Trainers in Mediation 
TIME management is a long dream project for me many trainers. You have always been a personification of it. Now you have give us in simple steps to achieve it. I think we can always try it out using this method and slowly we may master the art of TIME management. Thanks a lot.
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“The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.” — Stephen R. Covey
Thank you Ma’am for valuable inputs.
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Susheela, your time assessment and utility is an art and a skill. It is a reflection of respect for the self and for the other. I for one need to go through s session with you on this, thanks for the inputs
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