As a professional mediator, I have been practicing for nearly three decades. Over the years, I have seen the industry evolve and adapt to changes in technology and society. One of the most significant changes is the rise of virtual mediation training, a service Interaction Management Associates began offering before a global pandemic forced most professions into the digital world. In this article, I will share the benefits of virtual mediation training and how it is breaking barriers and empowering mediators around the world.
introducing Virtual MEDIATOR Training
Virtual mediation training is a form of online training that allows mediators to learn and practice their skills remotely. This type of training is becoming increasingly popular due to its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. With virtual mediation training, mediators can learn from anywhere in the world, at any time, and at their own pace.
In February 2019, I was contacted by Jayne Waithitu, Director of Peace Warriors Organization (PWO), a Kenyan NGO, seeking mediation training. I had planned to travel to Kenya, but due to compounding security and climate challenges, the trip got postponed indefinitely. When I notified the PWO team I was unable to get to Kenya, I received persistent pleas to consider other means of training them. They explained their members were scattered throughout East Africa and, in fact, virtual training would be ideal for them. At first, I was very hesitant.
A product and proponent of adult learning theories in education, at first I was adamant the only way mediators could learn was by interacting with one another in a classroom setting. I believed there was no other way mediators experience and learn mediation.
At the same time I was doubting the virtual training model, however, I was actually providing virtual mediation services routinely to clients who were in different parts of the world. I was also offering some advanced coaching to some of IMA’s more seasoned trainees via Zoom.
Alas, in October of 2019 – long before we knew Covid-19 would change our world – I agreed to offer a pilot virtual mediation training to the PWO group, along with a few mediators in the U.S. on our waiting list. While that trial run was less than perfect, we learned so much along the way. When Covid forced everyone online, we were perfectly positioned to scale up and handle more students. And that’s what we did. Our program now boasts over 300 enrolled participants from around the world.
The Benefits of Virtual Mediation Training
Virtual mediation training offers a wide range of benefits for mediators of all levels. In this section, I will highlight the three most significant benefits of virtual mediation training, based on my observations and the experiences of our mediators.
Benefit #1: Breaking Barriers for Professional Mediators
One of the most significant benefits of virtual mediation training is that it is breaking barriers for professional mediators. Traditionally, mediation training has been held in-person, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Students participating in a classroom setting have to take time away from their jobs and families. This can be a significant barrier, particularly for potential mediators who live in remote areas or have limited access to professional development resources. A classroom environment is also limiting, simply because there are only so many combinations of students in breakout sessions with whom you can participate. With our virtual training model of small group sessions, there are unlimited opportunities to engage and learn with a new group of mediators each time.
Virtual mediation training allows mediators to access high-quality training from anywhere in the world. With the training model we developed, IMA mediators can access the content immediately upon enrollment. Regardless of their location or resources, mediators can now receive the training they need to improve their skills and advance their careers.
Benefit #2: Empowering Mediators Around the World
Another benefit of virtual mediation training is that it is empowering mediators around the world. Mediation is becoming increasingly popular globally, and there is a growing demand for trained mediators in many countries.
Moreover, the virtual training breaks international barriers, as IMA mediators from radically different parts of the world are now learning together, challenging one another, networking and widening their capacities to mediate across cultures. Our virtual training model allows mediators from all over the world, at all levels of experience, to receive live coaching and feedback from professional mediators in intimate small group sessions. This platform empowers participants to become comfortable mediating conflicts involving parties from a diverse range of experiences, backgrounds and cultures.
Since we launched IMA’s virtual training program, several participants have told us they would never have encountered their fellow participants in any other setting. It also empowers participants to be patient, even when there are technical difficulties. As Human Resources Manager for City of Tempe, Lawrence LaVictoire, explained, “Sometimes when working internationally there may be some difficulty with the natural delays as the transmissions are going across the world; however, I really like the interaction with people from other cultures and who may have different perspectives.”
IMA’s virtual learning platform has normalized diversity in mediation training, which can only improve participants’ empathy, patience, listening and understanding – the most essential skills required of mediators.
Benefit #3: The Advantages of Asynchronous Learning
Finally, IMA’s virtual mediation training model offers the advantages of asynchronous learning. Mediators learn at their own pace, from wherever they are and on their own schedules. This means that mediators can fit training into their busy schedules and learn when it is most convenient for them.
For example, in our IMA New Mediator course as well as our more advanced Master Mediator program, some content is self-paced, supported by live experiential learning, accessible for every time zone. This means mediators can attend practice simulations, coaching sessions, workshops and other live training – staffed by our team of experts – to meet their own schedules.
This type of training is beneficial for mediators who live in areas where there is limited access to training resources. It is also ideal for busy professionals who can’t take time away from work and home life.
Asynchronous training also allows mediators to review training materials as many times as they need to fully understand the concepts, over the course of the weeks in which they are participating in live mediation simulations. This is particularly beneficial for mediators who are new to the field or who are learning a new skill.
Even better than a classroom setting, where new mediators can only participate in experiential learning with others in their 40-hour training, the IMA asynchronous training model ensures that each participant will have a fresh experience every time, with mediators of different levels, from around the world.
What IMA Mediators Have to Say
To get a better understanding of the benefits of virtual mediation training, we reached out to participants in IMA mediator training programs.
Here are some of their testimonials:
“This was an amazing opportunity to mediate with people from different countries (Kenya and Taiwan) - I have so many questions about different cultures in the process.” - Michelle Stevens, Attorney-Mediator, USA
“I had been looking for quite some time for a mediation program that I could do in conjunction with a busy day job (It is not easy for me to take a week off for something outside the scope of my regular duties.) IMA Mediation Training was the first of its kind that allowed for asynchronous learning. This allowed me the flexibility to keep working my day job, save my vacation days (for actual vacations!) and then attend to the Mediator program on weeknights and weekends as my schedule allowed. Once I got into the course - It went pretty quickly.” - Lisa Tsirikos, Federal Emergency Management Agency professional, USA
“The difference the IMA training has had in my life is that I have become a better listener who is now navigating conflicts in a better way. As an administrator, I have enjoyed working with the staff more than before. The staff also go to the extent of bringing me their personal issues for me to apply the learnt skills. Other learning institutions are giving me invitations to resolve conflicts in their institutions. IMA stands out above similar programs due to their mode of training. The coaches are very friendly, caring and knowledgeable. Their demeanor motivates the trainees who look up to them. The whole training is full of practical work, a hands-on kind of training.” - Mildred Lukoye, Educational Professional, Kenya
"This training has helped me more than I ever imagined. Definitely worth the money if you are looking for self improvement in your interactions with others." - Val Speltz, Military Life Mediation Expert, USA
“The simulations are very good as they are touching on many cultures and practices from different parts of the world, thereby giving the learners a wide exposure.” Grace Kuria, Peacebuilder with Peace Warriors Organization, Kenya
“The best things I got out of IMA besides the amazing people I met, was the ability to be comfortable in silence. It is a powerful tool to help move people toward unity if done correctly. Honestly, I have spent most of my life surrounded by people in conflict and I would say that IMA training has re-ignited my passion for mediation. I do believe the skills taught at IMA can be successfully applied in any conflict scenario. No doubt - IMA program is the most supportive Mediation Training I have ever taken. In the past I had been given outside written materials or asked to do some role play, which was quickly forgotten when put into a real-life fluid scenario. IMA teachings were more about helping you bring out your best mediator from the inside out.” Alisa Kharis, Blend Mediation, USA
“IMA training has exposed me greatly to mediation in day to day aspects of life as I was mostly limited to international peace and security issues. The training also helped me professionally to qualify for the Global Mediation Panel under the United Nations Office of the Ombudsman and Mediation as I used the approach learnt from IMA when I was given a mediation exercise as part of the interview process. Being part of this platform is a huge milestone in my life.” - Patience Chiradza, United Nations Office of the Ombudsman and Mediation
These are just a fraction of the testimonials we’ve received from our participants since launching our entirely virtual mediation training in 2019.
How to Get Started with Virtual Mediation Training
Getting started with virtual mediation training is easy. The first step is to find a reputable training program that meets your needs. Once you have selected a program, you can enroll and begin your training.
Some virtual mediation training programs are completely pre-recorded, which means that you can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. These are often the most affordable training available as well. The downside of this type of training is that you receive no practical, hands-on experience. We often have mediators call who’ve taken such courses and then realize they need to join our mediation simulation program or the Master Mediator program, to round out their training.
Other virtual mediation training is completely interactive, which means you get on-the-spot support from your trainer. Oftentimes, these training programs include breakout sessions so you can practice mediation with the students in your cohort. This program can be limiting, because you are required to sit at your computer for the entire duration of the scheduled training, which may not be convenient for all schedules.
With IMA’s virtual training, you will have the best of both of the above types of virtual training. Upon enrollment, you’ll have immediate access to a wide range of training resources, including self-paced lectures, live coaching sessions, videos of mediators in action, self-reflection assessments, webinars, interactive exercises, live mediation simulations and an accountability tracker to ensure you achieve your certificate of completion to fit your schedule.
FIND YOUR PATH
Virtual mediation training is breaking barriers and empowering mediators worldwide. This type of training offers a wide range of benefits, including flexibility, cost-effectiveness, diversity and accessibility. With virtual mediation training, mediators can learn from anywhere in the world, at any time, and at their own pace.
If you are a mediator looking to improve your skills and advance your career, virtual mediation training is an excellent option to consider. With the right training program, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to become an effective mediator and serve your clients better. I invite you to join the IMA mediator community, whether you are on the fence about joining now or you want to learn more about what we have to offer!
