Sunday, September 16, 2012

Chapter 11, Discussion 3


A concept that I found to be interesting in this reading is the caucus. It is incredibly beneficial for the feuding parties to contribute to the discussion in a more positive way by giving full disclosure of information to the mediator in a private dialogue. The mediator is able to get details of the conflict that each party is reluctant to share in front of one another which, with permission from each party, can be carefully and professionally inserted into the discussion by said mediator. The mediator can investigate the true feelings of each party confidentially and try to convince him/her to share them openly and honestly with the other, or to helpfully guide each party towards the discovery of these feelings in the discussion. It is wise that the mediator shares the same amount of time with each party so that there is no favoritism, and each party feels safe confiding in him/her. I have played the mediator role in caucus’ involving friends and family members. I would listen to both sides of the argument on separate occasions with the parties involved, and try to encourage the information shared with me to be brought up in a discussion with the other party. I find this to be successful because it allows the parties to increase clarity through the caucus, and hopefully gain the courage to be more open and honest in the discussion.

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