Demonstrative role play by the trainers always keeps the concepts and practical tips ever green in the memory of the trainees. It ensures Positive Reinforcement.
Amongst the trainers one takes the role of a mediator and others as disputing parties and/ or third parties/advocates etc.
EXAMPLE:-
A chosen roleplay is taken for demonstration.
The role play goes stage by stage every day.
Only those concepts introduced in the day’s training is made part of the role play of the given day.
Example;
Day-1-
Welcoming – greeting -seating – introducing – getting introduced – opening statement- joint session ( listening to the narrative by one party- summarizing it -listening to the version by the advocates (if need be)., repeating the same process with the other party.
DAY-2
Private session/s with Party -1 – third parties -if any.
Private session/s with party -2 – third parties if any.
Understanding the person and the problem as perceived by the parties
Active listening – demonstrating empathy- clarifications
Understanding the core issue.
DAY-3
Preparation for Negotiations-
Further private sessions
Understanding the underlying needs interests and goals.
Effective questioning
Generating options- Evaluating mutual options
DAY-4
Avoiding reactive devaluation- barriers to negotiation
Understanding BATNA WATNA MLATNA of each of the parties.
Exchange of offers and counter offers.
DAY-5
Closure
Drawing of settlement agreement if the parties have reached agreement on terms .
Note: Above pattern is given only as a skeleton structure. Depending on the theory part covered on each day, the concepts may have to be interwoven into the role play.
Advantages:
Participants understand how the theory part of imparted knowledge is practically used in actual mediations.
They understand how each of the stages are effectively used by a skilled trained mediator.
They understand about each of the techniques used by the mediator.
They understand how the questions are thoughtfully asked by the mediator navigating the mediation process towards collaborative problem solving .
They understand how effectively barriers are overcome by the mediator.
“The ability to change constantly and effectively is made easier by high -level continuity.”
Michael Porter-American academic
(All copyrights reserved by the author S.Susheela).
Training of Trainers in Mediation 