The Making of a Mediator: Developing Artistry in Practice

The Making of a Mediator goes beyond the traditional instructional manuals that concentrate on the nuts–and–bolts of the mediation process. This book offers mediators and other conflict resolution professionals a conceptual framework and practical guidance for developing artistry in mediation. In collaboration with Alison Taylor, a pioneer in teaching and supervision of mediators, renowned mediator Michael Lang describes the principles and methods of reflective practice. If you want to become a competent, resourceful mediator whose work reflects artistry, The Making of a Mediator will give you fresh insights and teach you the methods and skills you need to reach new levels of professional development. This essential resource combines innovative ideas and practices and provides A four–stage model of professional development Key characteristics of artistic practice Theoretical guidelines for the application of mediation strategies and techniques Tactics for forming effective hypotheses and methods for testing them Procedures for implementing reflective practice in mediation The Making of a Mediator is filled with lists of self–reflective questions. Exercises at the end of most chapters are specifically designed to help you understand the principles and methods of reflective practice. [head] Take your practice to the next level . . . learn the skills to practice artistry in mediation The Making of a Mediator goes beyond the basics of mediation process. In this essential resource, expert mediator and teacher Michael Lang outlines his innovative model of artistry in professional practice that results from the understanding of and connection between reflective practice and interactive process. Together with Alison Taylor, they have created a landmark book that offers conflict resolution professionals the theories, principles, practices, and ideas for developing true artistry in mediation. "The Making of a Mediator has been worth waiting for. This work provides a structure and methodology for those committed to the artful practice of mediation, or for that matter, the pursuit of any profession." Robert D. Benjamin, M.S.W., J.D., Mediation and Conflict Management Services "Michael Lang and Alison Taylor lead us on a journey inside the mediator′s head, charting territory and options previously undiscovered by most mediators. They offer assistance to all mediators to take their practice and mediation itself to the next level. Bravo!" James C. Melamed, J.D., cofounder, Mediation Information and Resource Center "In this book, practicing mediators will learn how to unleash talents they didn′t know they had and how to keep replicating their successes for years to come." Sylvia McMechan, professor, Master of Arts Program in Conflict Analysis and Management at Royal Roads University; former executive director, The Network "An engaging and easy–to–use manual for all peacemakers and conflict resolvers to further their own and others′ practices. I encourage every practitioner and trainer to incorporate these tools into their practices." Juliana Birkhoff, director, Center for Research and Education, RESOLVE

Preface.

The Authors.

ARTISTRY.

Developing Artistry.

The Hallmarks of Artistry.

Integrating Artistry into Practice.

REFLECTIVE PRACTICE.

Finding Your Formulation.

Mapping Your Constellation of Theories.

Putting Reflection into Practice.

INTERACTIVE PROCESS.

Combining the Elements of Interactive Process.

Critical Moments in Interaction.

Finding and Keeping the Flow.

Conclusion: Expanding Artistry in Our Professional Life.

References.

Additional Resources.

Index.

MICHAEL D. LANG, editor of Mediation Quarterly and former president of the Academy of Family Mediators, has been a practicing mediator for over twenty years. He is professor and special advisor in the Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management Program at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia. He teaches mediation and conflict resolution at Woodbury College in Vermont, and at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. ALISON TAYLOR has been a professional mediator for over twenty years in public and private mediation. She is coauthor of the classic text Mediation: A Comprehensive Guide to Resolving Conflict Without Litigation. Having taught and supervised interns in a court–connected domestic relations program for ten years, Alison now creates innovative uses of mediation in a milieu treatment facility. She teaches in Portland State University′s Master′s in Conflict Resolution program and in the Department of Communications Studies at Marylhurst University.

"The Making of a Mediator has been worth waiting for. This work provides a structure and methodology for those committed to the artful practice of mediation, or for that matter, the pursuit of any profession." (Robert D. Benjamin, M.S.W., J.D., Mediation and Conflict Management Services)

"Michael Lang and Alison Taylor lead us on a journey inside the mediator′s head, charting territory and options previously undiscovered by most mediators. They offer assistance to all mediators to take their practice and mediation itself to the next level. Bravo!" (James C. Melamed, J.D., cofounder, Mediation Information and Resource Center)

"In this book, practicing mediators will learn how to unleash talents they didn′t know they had and how to keep replicating their successes for years to come." (Sylvia McMechan, professor, Master of Arts Program in Conflict Analysis and Management at Royal Roads University; former executive director, The Network)

"An engaging and easy–to–use manual for all peacemakers and conflict resolvers to further their own and others′ practices. I encourage every practitioner and trainer to incorporate these tools into their practices." (Juliana Birkhoff, director, Center for Research and Education, RESOLVE)