TOT 118: Track Sheet

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TOT 118 

WEEK 118

TRACK SHEET

Training in “Summarizing after and before commencing the next session”.

(This technique is introduced in refresher /advanced courses)

The technique of summarizing is introduced to the trainees in their basic training in Mediation. 

However, it is necessary that trainees are informed about the necessity of summarizing at the end of each session, what they heard the participant/s say in their statements. So also it is equally necessary to summarize what was informed to the mediator in the previous sessions and then go ahead with the session on hand. 

Two steps are generally used by experienced mediators:

Repeating what was stated:

At the end of each session the mediator tells the participant/s, “Sir/Madam in this session you have discussed about a)….(b)…(c)…..”

Getting confirmation: 

Before commencing the next session the mediator tells the participants, “Sir/Madam, on the previous occasion you have discussed about a)……. b)…. c)……

Would you like to add anything more to any of these?

Would you like to withdraw on any one or all the concessions you had given?”

The first statement strengthens the confidence of the participant in mediation. The participant feels safe that the mediator remembers or keeps track of what was stated to him/her. 

The two questions mentioned above will give them an opportunity to rethink what they stated earlier.

Once the negotiation has started, the mediator has to make note of what were the key issues discussed. A small table as below can be maintained in the Track note sheet:

Date	Who ( party/third parties/ experts etc) said what	Whether party wants to withdraw or confirm

Maintaining such Track Note sheets will help the mediator :

1. In streamlining the negotiation process. 
2. In tracking the events
3. In demonstrating the professionalism
4. In directing the parties towards taking decisions 
5. In demonstrating that they are given complete freedom to withdraw their offers
6. In avoiding the parties repeating whatever they had said in earlier session(s)
7. Making the parties understand on their own as to whether there is any progress in mediation or not.

Personal benefit 

Mediator will also know whether there is any value addition in each of the sessions or not. Where there is no progress, mediator can think of setting different agendas, and make use of different techniques and skills to facilitate resolution of dispute. 

Challenge

Mediator has to make very short points in column 2.

While referring to each point, must not use more than 2 sentences.

How is this technique introduced in training?

A role play is given.

As the role-play proceeds, the mediator is asked to make note of the key points in the note sheet. Refer to the same at the closure of each session and the beginning of the next session.

Filtering is a necessary technique that is to be included while making restatement. Only the key point from the narrative leading towards resolution are to be identified.

All the participants may also be asked to note down the key points.

Lead trainer has to give his/her feed back on the key points prepared by each of the participants. 

“Being on track is a professional necessity. Any compromise may give imaginary satisfaction of going everywhere, without actually leading anywhere.”

Slamw

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(All Copyrights reserved by the author S.Susheela)