Conflict is an unavoidable aspect in an individual’s life. Every individual has faced conflict at some point in their phase of life. As it is omnipresent, people should also find ways to resolve it. It is extremely crucial to look for ways in which the conflict can be resolved and managed effectively (Chen et al, 2019). The procedure of conflict resolution indulges in putting an end to a dispute or disagreement and reaching a middle and agreeable position which will satisfy both the parties. Such resolutions do not contribute in curbing the occurrence of conflict but it is more inclined towards managing the conflict and its consequences (Singer, 2018). This report will reflect on the mediation session “A Neighbor to Neighbor Conflict Role Play” and discuss how it was mediated. It will identify the cause of the conflict and link that with the different mediation approaches which are taught in this module. The effectiveness of the mediation approach will be applied along with finding the appropriate and possible conflict management approach. Few mediation techniques will be discussed with respect to its effectiveness followed by a set of recommendations to view the other possible ways in which the conflict could have been resolved. Lastly, a reflection will be provided to deeply understand how I have dealt with my past experiences with conflict and the ways in which I can implement this new knowledge to become a better mediator.
The mediation is observed to have two parties namely Josh and Bert and they are seen to be neighbors in this role play. The mediator and the co mediator are seen to be the other party and they had set some ground rules for the mediation session (Chen et al, 2019). The first party, Josh was asked to explain first and said that the conflict had emerged when his next door neighbor, Burt had arrived on his doorstep on a Saturday morning and inappropriately addressed him as he was upset about his yard. Considering Josh’s side, he had just moved in a week before and was not aware of who Bert was. He claimed that he had not participated in any kind of action that could possibly upset or infuriate Burt. He had thus positioned his statement mentioning that Burt should not have behaved like that and could have instead asked him calmly.
Considering Burt’s side of the conflict, there is a major emotional component attached to this conflict. As Josh and Burt are neighbors, their living space is not divided by a fence or a concrete wall. A wide range of bush was seen to be a division between the two houses. According to Burt, Josh had moved in a couple of weeks before and had decided to use his power electric mower which had taken down the bush. The emotional component here is that, the bush or the barrier between the two houses was made by Burt’s children in honor of his wife who had passed away three years ago.
The cause of the conflict was identified to have emerged from an emotional ground. Burt had out lashed and had lost his temper as he witnessed that the bush in his lawn was taken down. He has been in the neighborhood for several years and he has never faced any kind of disruptions from the neighbors. He mentioned that the neighbors who lived there respected each other’s private space even if their houses were divided by a stretch of outgrown bush. On the other hand, Josh had provided the information that he had done this out of concern because Burt’s lawn looked very untidy and unkempt.
The mediator approach that was applied here was seen to be Transformative Mediation. This approach was seen to be effective as both the parties had received the space and time to express themselves and deeply understands one another. Transformative mediation is viewed to create a larger space for expressing emotions and ultimately aim to support emotional healing during the process of mediation (Caputo et al, 2018).This approach is seen to be appropriate when the conflict is aligned to any kind of deep personal issues. This is observed in the mediation process as Burt was extremely upset and infuriated to notice the bush disappear which held a certain kind of emotional importance. Considering this case of conflict between two neighbors who will have to face each other almost every day, this mediation approach will allow them to seek empowerment and recognition. Thus, the application of this approach is seen to be effective as at the end both the parties had peacefully agreed to resolve the dispute (Kasianov & Goncharenko, 2019).
There was a clear miscommunication between the two parties which aggravated to the formation of a conflict. Another conflict management approach, which is facilitative mediation approach, could have been applied here as it is a combination of transformative mediation approach and evaluation mediation approach (Raines, 2019). This kind of approach is usually used in most of the cases, and they are based on the dynamic needs of both the parties. In this style the mediator is seen to use techniques like asking questions, normalizing perspectives and validating the perspectives of both the parties. Therefore, this method can also be effective in this case of conflict between two neighbors.
The three mediation techniques which were noticed here are as follows:
1) Stepping back: The process of mediation in the conflict between neighbors was performed in a space where the mediators allowed both the parties to speak freely without interrupting each other (Moshiri, 2019). They had set a couple of ground rules considering the emotional aspect which can possibly affect one of the parties. The mediators had clearly brought about the perspectives of both the parties and kept reminding them about the goal of the mediation. In the process of mediation, both the parties consider themselves to be right (Mosadeghrad & Mojbafan, 2019).This is where the mediator helps both the parties to realize and recognize the ground where both the perspectives will coexist. The parties are made to take a step back and question themselves about the position of the other party. In the mediation proves between the two neighbors it was seen how Josh had taken a step back as he was informed about the emotional component which was attached to the issue of conflict. He did not know that the stretch was bush held a deeper emotional value to Burt and went ahead to take it down. It was observed that at one point he realized that he should have asked for his permission before taking a step like that (John-Eke & Akintokunbo, 2020).
2) Reframing the conversation: The mediators are seen to rephrase and change the course of the topic in a certain way which can bring about a positive ambience and a new outlook to the conflict. The mediators have provided both the parties with a platform and equal opportunity which will enable them to communicate effectively (Arias?Valenzuela et al, 2019).This technique is famously used to help the parties come out of their feeling of being entrenched in the conflict. This will enable the two parties to recognize and realize their position and clearly understand the goal of working together (Suifan et al, 2019).The mediators are seen to be interrogating both the parties to constantly remind them about the issue at hand and the ways in which the issue can be resolved. In the video where the mediation process between two neighbors was displayed had showed that the mediators repeated the position of the parties to help each other understand their respective sides (Eaton & Kostka,2018).
3) Focusing on the main objective of the process of mediation: This technique of mediation majorly relies on the question of “why” which will enable the parties to identify the reason behind their actions, demands and goals in the mediation (Méndez & Otero,2018). It is know that “Focusing on the interest as opposed to positions expands the possibilities for resolution” this helps to identify that if the parties attempt to find anything in common it will develop the process of conflict to head towards resolution (Hamidi & Zandiatashbar, 2019). The parties will have to be engaged and asked questions based on their interest which will bring out a common ground. In the mediation process of as Josh and Burt had explained their position, they were reminded at regular intervals that they were present in the process of mediation for a common goal (Arias?Valenzuela et al, 2019).
As a mediator first recommendation would be to study Josh’s behavior as they had already noticed his behavior when he got to know about the main reason why Burt was infuriated. This could have made Josh readily agree as he has already identified that he was not aware of the emotional importance of the stretch of bush. He had also admitted that he did not personally make an effort to go over to Burt’s place and communicate with him or take his permission. The conflict could have been readily and easily solved. However, it is seen that the mediation process was a success and both he parties had gained positive outcome out of the session (Clayton & Dorussen, 2021). The process was conducted in a very systematic manner. Thus the techniques that are used are seen to the sufficiently appropriate for the neighbors and their conflict. The techniques and approaches which were applied were seen to be significant and extremely crucial for any mediation process relevant to conflict management. The parties could not have come to this ultimate point without the presence if the mediators who have skillfully brought out the main reason and objective of the session.
Even as mediators avoiding conflict is a task which cannot be achieved by any human being. I have personally faced several moments in my life where I have come across a point of disagreement or conflict (Cheshire et al, 2019). There have been times where I have felt that the other person is being unreasonable and I am being rigid with my side of the conversation as I believe I am correct and my statement is reasonable. During such times I had to bring myself to a central point where I would still stick to my point and also allow the point that was presented by the other person to be a part of the process of conflict management. These sessions of mediation has taught me to understand the value of the middle ground or the central position which acts as a platform to present the perspectives of both the parties. Indeed there has been moments where I had behaved in a rigid and not negotiable way during a disagreement, however the mediation techniques and approaches has taught me to focus on the objective of the session which includes resolving the conflict than staying rigid to the perspective.
The new knowledge that I have gathered based on the mediation process which was displayed in this module has helped me to understand the implementation of the techniques and approaches in the real field. It has made me extremely self aware of the origination of conflicts and experiencing it at the same time (ARINICHEVA ET AL, 2019). It allows me to analyze the merits and demerits of each and every method that are usually used in the process of mediation. This practice enables me to profoundly study the consequence and impact of the session.
Conclusion
The report has entirely studied the mediation session based on the conflict of two neighbors. With the help of techniques and approaches, the motive and objective of the mediation was vividly observed. Based on the video that represented the conflict of the neighbors and the techniques which were implemented by the mediators, a concrete structure of the process was captured. From the cause of the conflict to the end of it which showed the end result. It had also exposed the objective which was required to be achieved. The most crucial part of the process was to witness the transformation of the behavior of both the parties. As the process initiated they were both rigid and reasonable in their own position. As they started to communication with the help of the mediators, the underlying reasons started to float which made both the parties realize and address each other’s position and perspective.
References
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