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A stupid question?

Image by Benzoic on Magnifi.com

During our mediation training course, I usually find myself saying “there’s no such thing as a stupid question”. The aim is to provide a safe space for questions and thoughts, helping people work through the complexities of mediation and build their understanding. For me, however, it has a deeper resonance.

selling mediation: a reflection

It’s almost a year since I last wrote about selling mediation and our one-day workshop that we run for experienced mediators in Scotland. We have been delivering this workshop now for several years and have seen how the message of mediation is communicated differently across Scotland and over time.

What has emerged in the past few years is that the process of selling mediation is an increasingly difficult ask. Selling it comes in two forms. Firstly, there is selling the idea of mediation to two neighbours who haven’t seen eye to eye for years. Secondly (and more challenging) is convincing sceptical officials that supporting a properly funded mediation service can save money and help communities grow and develop. Mediators have experience in overcoming barriers when working with clients, through addressing concerns and explaining the mediation process in ways that are both understandable and reassuring. What can be more challenging is convincing officials.

First week

First week

This week sees the start of our latest Mediation Skills training course. We will welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds - from healthcare, third sector and public sector. By the very nature of the job, as soon as one course begins, I start planning and promoting the following course, then the next one after that.

Sometimes though it is helpful to take stock, to refresh and review. We have some opportunities for this during the training year. The first is the final day of our mediation training, when we ask learners to reflect on what they have learnt and how they found the course delivery, warts and all. Hearing those reflections and afterwards reading their evaluations is always a productive and positive experience.

And on the other hand

Earlier this week on social media I came across the fact that this has been named a million acts of hope week. At first glance I thought this was quite a positive and useful thing, to provide a focus on all the good things happening, new initiatives and work that is being done by people and organisations to prevent hate and divisions in society. However a little bit of me also reflected on how sad it was that such a week is needed.