Finding a Happy Medium in Conflict Resolution |
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March 20, 2006
by Gabby Hyman
gabby.hyman@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
In our highly litigious society, mediators and neutral arbitrators have become a fundamental resource in resolving conflicts before they escalate to the courtroom. Mediation training programs have sprung up across the country to prepare and certify qualified mediators to step into this rapidly growing field.
Mediators are increasingly invited to take critical positions with private and public health care agencies as well as with labor organizations, insurance carriers, and law offices. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nearly 40% of working graduates from mediation programs took positions in state and local government.
Mediation: Reaching Independent, Informed Decisions
When parties agree to enter mediation, they seek judgment from a qualified third party who has no stake in the outcome. Mediators are trained through programs at independent business or law schools, by state or national mediation membership organizations, and at postsecondary colleges and universities.
Coursework often includes sensitive issues of client confidentiality and mediator neutrality. Mediation training also embraces the stages of conflict resolution, including research, framing issues, proposing a range of solutions, negotiating techniques, and constructing agreements. A well-trained mediator may have to step in and police destructive or counter-productive arguing, helping all parties see a range of options.
Mediation Training and Certification
Mediation training programs typically target ethical, practical experience, and coursework standards which vary state by state. Formalized certification is available from independent organizations, such as the American Arbitration Association (AAA). The AAA requires all of its participating members to complete an apprenticeship and training program, as well as obtain professional mediation references.
Mediation training programs tend to specialize by discipline, so it may help to know whether you wish to work in health care, labor law, divorce and child custody, neighbor dispute resolution, or one of the many other fields that depend upon independent arbitration.
Sources
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Arbitration Association
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.
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