Short Paper: Mediator Objectivity
In at least four paragraphs, describe the proper role of a family mediator as it relates to objectivity in the mediation process. When it comes to being a good mediator, one has to learn how to keep their opinions to themselves. A good mediator will be able to “build rapport with people in conflict while being both nonjudgmental and compassionate” (Practitioner’s guide) Being able to do this is something that has to be worked at everyday. Mediators are people just like us and they have biases just like we do. Conscious or not these biases need to be put out of their mind when mediating a case. A mediator must see past what ever personality trait that they may find annoying or undesirable in a client. When the mediator sees past this trait, they are better able to treat both parties with respect and equally. This allows the party with the undesirable trait to be able to speak their thought fully and it also allows them to feel more comfortable and may even promote them being more involved in the mediation sessions. Putting the biases out of their mind is and keeping a non judgmental attitude becomes even “more essential because a mediator hears the most egregious stories of spousal behavior while each spouse simultaneously clamors for sympathy” (Practitioner’s guide) There will probably be times that the mediator may review a case and begin to build an idea as to how the case should turn out. It is in cases like this that it is most important for the mediator to realize that they are only there to keep things civil and help the client separate as easily as possible.
Erickson, S. K., & McKnight, M. S. (2001). The practitioner's guide to mediation: a client-centered approach. New York: Wiley.
I suppose the unavoidable question is this: Is total mediator objectivity an unattainable dream or a realistic possibility? I think