Mediation skills are based on a thorough understanding of the underlying subject matter as well as specific negotiation and conflict resolution training. The specialized training can be obtained by enrolling in a mediator training program with a targeted curriculum or by taking college courses in topics related to dispute resolution. The development of certain soft skills is also necessary for success as a mediator.
For mediators, there are no nationally or internationally accredited courses of instruction or undergraduate degree programs. Although alternative dispute resolution is becoming increasingly popular around the world, the development of universal standards has lagged behind demand. Depending on the jurisdiction and context of the disputes, different skills are required of mediators.
You can learn the basics of mediation by enrolling in any negotiation or conflict resolution class at a college or university. These classes are typically part of the overall curriculum for academic majors in business, social sciences, law, and the humanities. Because alternative dispute resolution has significant legal underpinnings, law schools will typically offer one or two specialty courses in this field. To be a mediator, you don’t need to go to law school.
Continuing education and training options available outside of the university context are the most effective way to develop mediation skills. In nearly every jurisdiction where mediation is practiced, specialists and various industry organizations offer training programs. Certain courses for mediators will be sanctioned by courts as an eligibility criterion if the mediator wishes to work in that court’s system. Skill development requires not only taking these courses once, but also taking them on a regular basis to stay current with developments in the field.
Working as an intern for a more seasoned professional can also help you improve your mediation skills. Before you can handle cases on your own, many organizations that use mediators require you to have a certain number of supervised hours with a veteran mediator. This is the most effective way to learn practical skills in a real-world setting.
There are also a few prestigious mediation programs offered by major universities around the world as part of advanced studies for executive education. Harvard University established the Harvard Negotiation Institute and the Program on Negotiation in the United States. This training program is for seasoned executives who want to expand their repertoire of alternative dispute resolution techniques.
Soft skills must also be developed and nurtured in order to be effective mediators. To create a comfortable atmosphere for the parties to a dispute, a mediator must have poise, composure, and a neutral countenance. These skills are frequently acquired through participation in extracurricular activities in a leadership role.