TOT 119: “Giving Training in Directing and Redirecting

TOT 119

WEEK 119

“Giving training in Directing and redirecting”

Every person wants to be heard. Disputing parties make use of the mediation sessions to vent out their emotions. They start from day one of their life. Often the narrative goes everywhere under the Sun. Nothing constructive comes out from the sessions. It is under these circumstances a mediator may have to excel in the skills of Directing and redirecting.

The following steps can be followed:

1. Setting an agenda

Informing the party as to which points/issues will be taken for discussion
Noting down the same as a, b, c etc.

2. Prioritizing

Finding out from the party which amongst the issues chosen for discussion is more important, less important, and of no consequence.
If the party informs that every issue is important, then request the party to choose which of the issues should be taken for discussion first.
Noting down the issues on a note sheet, as per the choice made by the party.

One issue at a time

Taking one topic after the other
When parties try to speak on topic other than the one chosen, the note sheet may shown to them, and they be assured that the other point will be taken later (Technique of deferring is used here). Parties are redirected to the point under discussion.

Mediator’s homework

Once the points for discussion are chosen by the party, the mediator has to note down what probable information may have to be gathered from the party under each issue taken for discussion.

Keeping that note sheet on hand for guidance, discussion can be channelized by the mediator.

Advantages

Unnecessary talking will be curtailed.
Parties take responsibility for what is to be discussed.
Parties are always helped to be on track.
Professionalism gets reflected.
As the agenda is set in consensus with the party, deviation gets avoided.
In multi-party, commercial disputes involving high stakes, what is important to each of the parties and to third parties gets reflected.

How is this technique introduced in mediation training?

In the chosen role play, person playing the role of mediator is asked to work on each of the three steps (setting an agenda, prioritizing, one issue at a time) with the parties and make notes.
Participant playing the role of Mediator is asked to give bullet points regarding information to be received from the parties.

NOTE: It is ideal to introduce this methodical structuring of the mediation session/s in refresher course/s or in advanced trainings.

“Direction helps where to go. redirection helps to focus only on that”.
Slamw