Main description:

* Includes practical and evidence-based tools for resolving disputes and conflict, that can be applied to a range of contexts, and used by lay people, and people working in other roles, for example, managers; human resource staff; faith groups; Local authority employers and managers; social work/care; schools; counsellors; therapists; NHS staff; politicians
* Does not provide a short-cut to qualifying as a professional mediator, but applies professional mediation principles to everyday scenarios, and serves as a 'taster' for anyone considering the training process and career in mediation in the future
* Shows how well-timed strategic interventions bring an important sense of intentionality and a purposeful structure to chaos, which in turn empowers participants to move from what feels like a crisis towards constructive communication, and on to a creative future-focussed option development

Contents:

1 Defining Mediation, Its Fundamental Principles, Styles and Typical Stages of the Process

2 Some Common Theories Summarised

3 One Particular Interpersonal Communication Theory for LM Practice

4 What Are the Known Attributes of Effective Mediators?

5 What Skills and Strategies Do Trained Mediators Use and What Is the Difference between a Skill and a Strategy?

6 Looking in Detail at What These Dispute Resolution Skills in the Mediators' Toolbox Are, and What Effect They May Have When Used Strategically

7 Some Additional Strategic Interventions beyond the Core Toolbox Skills

8 The Power of Apology and Reconciliation in Mediation

9 Some Contemporary Issues and Dealing with Social Media Communication Conflicts

10 Some Cautionary Concerns Such as Ensuring Safe Practice

11 Some Important Cautionary Warnings to Bear in Mind

12 Buying What We Sell Matters: To What Extent Do Mediators Apply Their Principles and Professional Expertise to the Management of Conflict in Their Own Daily Lives?

13 Some Illuminative Case Examples from Different Dispute Contexts

14 Conclusions