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TOT 177-WEEK 177
“Coaching through observation”
“Coaching through observation” can be effectively achieved through “Role play by trainers”.
Most effective way of “Coaching through observation” can be demonstrated through role plays with experienced mediator trainers playing the role of parties and the mediator.
Learning by participating in the role plays is one way of learning practical aspects of mediation.
Observing experts playing the roles , and gaining knowledge through such observation will be at another level.
How to go about:
i)Identify the role players. One of the lead trainers to take the role of Coach.
ii) Choose a role play. Circulate the general information to all the participants well in advance so that every one knows the facts .
iii) Choose a situation : Example: Bargaining.
iv) Ask the parties( role players and the mediator) to continue the session.
v) Instructions by Lead trainer:-
As the session goes on lead trainer goes on giving instruction/s ( as and when required) to each of the parties and the mediator as well.
- To mediator; a) ask an open ended question (b) Reflect (c) Use skill of reframing (d) Seek clarification ( e) separate the person from the problem (f) consider Objective criteria , set the atmosphere .. etc..
- To parties: (a) Use strategic barrier (b) Bring in an emotional impasse (c) set up a situation of procedural impasse d) Become completely shut and non responsive etc
Note: The lead trainer must be very attentive and thorough as to what instructions are being given and what is the objective behind it.?
The role players must have thorough knowledge of different techniques/skills by name otherwise when the Lead trainer as coach suggests something, there would be chances of going wrong.
Comfort zone:
However as it is a coaching session, if any of the role play participants, miss out on the instructions given by the coach/lead trainer, the clarification may be given by the coach himself/herself and the parties( role players) may also be coached.
Advantages:
i)Participants understand the advantage of knowing each of the technique by name and also the theoretical concept behind each of the practical aspects.
ii) They get connected to what is already known
- They understand that every step in mediation is crucial and is to be handled with atmost care .
- They understand the value of professionalism
“If you make listening and observation your occupation, you will gain much more than you can by talk.”
Robert Baden – Powell – First Chief Scout of World-wide Scout Movement.
(All copyrights reserved by the author S.Susheela)
Training of Trainers in Mediation 