A clash of interests, a quarrel caused by a divergence of views on a particular issue - all these are conflict situations. Sometimes both opponents lose their temper and cannot reach consensus, which only exacerbates the situation. The only way out is to attract a third party - an intermediary. How is a mediator useful in resolving a conflict? What functions does it perform? The information below helps answer these questions.
Who is an intermediary?
Mediator (mediator) - a person (group of people) who helps in resolving conflicts. Not every conflict situation deserves the attention of a mediator. Disputes in which opponents can independently reach a cease-fire do not need outside intervention. Mediation in the resolution of conflicts is used when there are a large number of problems between the parties, and is also used as a model for resolving future conflict situations.
What is mediation (mediation)?
This process is a systematic identification of problems, their solution, the search for alternatives, as well as assistance in reaching consensus (taking into account the interests of both parties).
Conflict resolution with the help of a mediator allows you to reduce the negative mood to nothing, weaken the passions, avoid breaking the long relationship and assault, illegal actions. The mediation does not take into account the personal qualities of each participant in the conflict, if they do not interfere with the process of establishing a truce.
Mediation is aimed at eliminating the conflict situation itself and at preventing its development, repetition in the future. Events preceding the conflict, as well as character traits of opponents are not particularly important, although they must be taken into account by the mediator.
Conflict mediators and their functions
The mediator must have unquestioned authority on both sides, otherwise the resolution process will not be effective, and the mediator himself may become a direct participant in the conflict. Equally important is the mediator's interest in resolving the dispute: he must objectively assess the situation and not occupy either side as opposed to the other.
How is a mediator useful in resolving a conflict? Social science gives the following answer: the mediator is able to withdraw opponents from the conflict without causing any moral damage, infringement of the rights and interests of both parties.
The main tasks of the intermediary
Before starting work, the mediator must make sure that all parties to the dispute are aware of the wishes and needs of each other, as well as that his wards recognize the presence of a conflict.
The prerogative of the intermediary is:
- The development of a draft agreement, which each party must unconditionally accept.
- Bringing to opponents that all responsibility for the decisions made will rest solely with them.
- Elimination of the negative between the parties to the dispute caused by the conflict situation through negotiations.
How is a mediator useful in resolving a conflict? That observes complete neutrality. The mediator should be impartial, his prerogative is to consider the opinions of each of the parties, while he can not take any side during the resolution of the conflict.
The mediator helps:
- Overcome obstacles to the normal coexistence of participants in a conflict of interest.
- Direct all efforts towards the search for alternative solutions.
- Cope with the negative, come to a consensus, while taking into account the interests and needs of all parties to the conflict.
What is the difference between mediator assistance and psychological counseling
The purpose of the mediator is to find a compromise, to develop a specific plan of action in order to eliminate the conflict itself and its consequences. That is, the mediator makes efforts in order to solve a specific problem through a constructive dialogue of both parties. There is no analysis of the internal turmoil of the parties to the conflict, the restoration of personal relationships, as well as the adjustment of the behavioral characteristics of individuals. Psychology deals with these issues, and mediation refers to sociology, since it does not take into account aspects of the human soul.
How is a mediator useful in resolving a conflict? The mediator controls the actions and dialogue of the participants in the controversial situation, thereby being a tool for regulating the social world. The mediator promotes the establishment of equality in the dispute, as well as the normalization of everyday communication (at work, study, at home).
Exposure methods
There are three main methods of conflict management by a mediator:
- Pressure on one of the conflicting parties.
- The declination of all parties to the dispute towards reconciliation.
- Diplomacy.
In the first case, the mediator tries, with the help of suggestion and arguments, to make one of the parties believe in his wrongness. As a result, the opponent gives up and makes concessions.
The inclination towards reconciliation consists in constant work with each of the parties to the dispute, explaining the incorrectness of the position. The mediator explains to individuals how wrong their actions and words are directed towards their opponents.
In the diplomatic resolution of the problem, the mediator uses individual conversations with the parties to the conflict, bringing to them possible ways of overcoming the negative situation and coordinating them with each of the parties.
What knowledge should an intermediary have
Participating in the settlement of a conflict situation, the mediator should know that:
- It is necessary to talk separately with each of the parties.
- During the dialogue should establish its own rules prohibiting the manifestation of aggression and physical violence.
- The procedure for eliminating negativity is carried out exclusively in a confidential and calm atmosphere.
- It is important for opponents to convey information that the subject of the dispute is that obstacle to constructive dialogue that needs to be overcome.
- Stimulating the conversation is his prerogative.
- The decision to end the confrontation should suit everyone and be mutual.
How is a mediator useful in resolving a conflict? The fact that in a protracted dispute, both parties can avoid the intervention of law enforcement agencies only through the participation of a mediator. However, it is worth knowing that the intermediaries themselves are not lawyers and cannot give any advice related to legal norms.
Youth Conflict and Mediation
The most unpredictable, emotional and mentally unbalanced age is the puberty period. Conflict situations among peers can arise on any issue, be it elementary external dissimilarity or rivalry, the struggle for the attention of the opposite sex.
How useful is a mediator in resolving youth conflicts? Thanks to the mediator, the dispute can be resolved quickly and without some dangerous moments (violence, mutual insults). The mediator here can be an adult or more experienced individual of the same age with participants in a negative situation. The credibility of the mediator must be unshakable on both sides, otherwise it will be impossible to reach any agreement.
Mediators are usually volunteers from public organizations, teachers, parents and close relatives, as well as more authoritative peers.
How is a mediator useful in resolving a conflict? Life examples
Mediation is necessary in cases where a conflict situation begins to go beyond, that is, the parties turn to individuals, begin to insult each other, defending their interests. But it’s enough to explain to them that their needs can be fully satisfied, as it becomes possible to engage in a constructive dialogue.
Examples of intermediary activities:
- In family. A conflict arose between the sister and brother on the basis of misunderstanding, they begin to rapidly sort out the relationship. The father of the children intervenes in a negative situation - his authority is unshakable, which means that they will listen to the opinion of the parent. Acting as a mediator, the father uses the method of pressure or the method of inducing both sides to reconciliation. Another example is the divorce process. A third party helps the parties to the conflict resolve the issue of further parenting.
- At work. One of the employees expressed dissatisfaction with another member of the team, to which he replied with mutual reproaches. This escalated the conflict. The role of mediator here is a person holding a leadership position. It is the boss who can correctly judge the quarrel participants. In most cases, the mediator uses the method of pressure or shuttle diplomacy to resolve the situation.
- On learning. Conflicting schoolchildren or students can be judged by a teacher, director, dean, a person with authority in their eyes. The clash of adolescents is difficult to prevent, but even more difficult to resolve. In this situation, the mediator uses the method of diplomacy or tries to gently incline all participants in the confrontation to peace.