A
concept from chapter 11 that I found interesting was the Center for Mediation
and Law at Harvard Law School’s approach to the role of the mediator. There are
basically four guidelines that Harvard believes a mediator should comply with. Their
first role of the mediator is that they should “develop a ‘subjective
neutrality’ in which he or she honors the validity and truth of each person’s
story without deciding who is right or wrong”. Second, mediators must maintain
confidentiality, third, they need to be competent in communication, and lastly,
they need to be trained to “facilitate communication by encouraging cooperation
and discouraging competition between parties”. These four things are actually
very relevant in holding a position in my sorority. I find that I need to be
neutral when people have problems, keep their problems confidential, understand
that people need to vent, but try to prevent bad-mouthing, and help to resolve
issues.
California Girl,
ReplyDeleteI’m glad that you chose the Center for Mediation and Law at Harvard Law School’s approach to mediator (wow…that’s a mouthful). I also found this concept very interesting. I think it is great that you can tie this back to your personal life! I know that I use these same four rules of thumb to mediate when I solve problems for the team I coach. Staying neutral is extremely important because if you show favoritism then you have already pushed away one person’s views and that is not fair. Being confidential is also important because they are trusting you. In my case, I will have a girl come to me saying “I don’t know what to do but ________ is really hurting my feelings and I don’t know how to stop her without being confrontational and starting a fight” so if I am not confidential, then it might escalate into more problems.