Preparing the Soil for Conflict Engagement: Mediator Tools, Techniques, and Tenets to Grow By

The ground upon which disagreements occur impacts how the conflict will be experienced. Fostering trust in the process of third-party support begins at first contact and is supported throughout by what is said and how one communicates with the parties. Buy-in is critical in creating lasting agreements, a process that starts before parties sit down to mediate. This session focuses on steps and strategies in both presenting oneself as a trusted conflict professional, as well as fostering confidence in the process. Participants will learn mediator behaviors and techniques to encourage calmness, and encourage forthright and sincere responses from others. While the content is designed for conflict professionals, this session is relevant to parents, educators, and others.