Although it’s called “mediation” training, the training has applications that extend beyond being professional mediator. Many folks not interested in becoming certified mediators overlook the training because they don’t see how it applies to them personally or professionally.
Mediation training is about more than becoming a mediator
Mediation training is about learning techniques and skills that can help anybody cope with conflict. Our workshops teach specific, real-life skills for interacting with others, expressing concerns, and better understanding the needs of others. Two-thirds of mediation training participants take the training because they want to learn how to do a better job processing the issues that arise in their daily life—not because they plan to become professional mediators.
Mediation training helps resolve conflicts in everyday life
Most conflicts are interpersonal in nature and flare up at work, at home, with friends, or with other members of the community. Conflicts range from small annoyances, to major confrontations that end in divorce, job loss, or a lawsuit. These conflicts are the result of miscommunication or a lack of communication. However, with training, anyone can learn how to address, minimize, or resolve conflicts in a productive way. According to Mary McBride, Director of HUD, Region 10, “Empathy is a skill that can be learned.”
Mediation-training participants have diverse backgrounds and come from many different fields including education, customer service, retail, non-profit, administration, management, human resources, and more. Participants are students, counselors, attorneys, medical professionals, and retirees—you name it. They are diverse because conflict affects everyone. Not everyone has to become a professional mediator, but we can all learn better ways of handling conflict.
Find out how learning the art of mediation can help resolve the conflicts in your everyday life. Call your local DRC today.