During the first week of the program, you will have the opportunity to meet the faculty and other attendees, as well as review and clarify the foundational principles presented in Learning Module One. By the end of this week, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of all the concepts presented in the prerequisite module, including the Plank Model for de-escalation, prevention, and resolution of destructive conflict, the Objectives Hierarchy, and the various approaches of moving up the power axis to “power with” dynamics. A clear understanding of these core competencies will serve as a solid foundation for the rest of the program.

Mediation is assisted negotiation, which is why we believe that mediators must become knowledgeable and expert negotiators. This will enable them to understand the various perspectives, motivations, tactics, and pressures that influence the parties. During Week Two, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of both integrative and distributive negotiation. You’ll learn how to claim and create value, with a focus on advanced techniques to create value, as well as a four-stage negotiation process, which includes best practices and key considerations from the planning stages to the implementation of an agreement. Additionally, you’ll be introduced to CIIAN’s Negotiation Forcefield planning tool so that you can master the art of deconstructing issues and interests to identify potential options and logrolling opportunities to reach a resolution.

During Week Four you’ll delve into advanced negotiation topics designed to equip you with a critical understanding of the psychological influences that negotiators may encounter and how to address them effectively. You’ll learn how to confidently handle hardball tactics and turn cognitive frames to your advantage. We’ll explore the power of trust and how to navigate impasses and other barriers to resolution using CIIAN’s facework toolkit.  We’ll cover the latest research on cognitive biases and provide specific approaches to mitigate their effects. Additionally, we’ll teach you advanced persuasion tactics that can be applied by both negotiators and mediators to positively influence the process.

Get ready to put your negotiation skills to the test! In Week Three, you’ll be stepping into the shoes of a lead negotiator by participating in at least two exciting live role-plays. This is your chance to demonstrate your newfound knowledge and hone your negotiation techniques in a simulated real-life scenario under the direct guidance of our skilled faculty. 

At CIIAN, we believe that self-awareness and reflection is essential to be an effective conflict resolution practitioner. That’s why we’ve designed a comprehensive self-reflection exercise that will help you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots as a mediator. By becoming a reflective practitioner, you’ll excel in this field. In addition, we’ll cover all the foundational materials you need to know about mediation and your role as a mediator. You’ll learn about the conflict resolution spectrum, the merits and effectiveness of mediation, different schools of thought, and your role and objectives as a mediator.  We’ll also discuss what we’ve found to be the common temptations that you’ll face as a mediator and the potential implications of succumbing to them. 

Effective conflict resolution requires a deep understanding of the conflict itself. That’s why in Week Six, we’ll equip you with several powerful Conflict Analysis tools to interpret and analyze various conflicts. We’ll begin by introducing you to the different types of conflict and levels of conflict analysis. Next, you’ll get hands-on practice by applying these tools to a case study, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of how to analyse conflict. By the end of this week, you’ll have a solid foundation in conflict analysis, enabling you to approach conflicts with a clearer and more analytical perspective.

In Week Seven, we’ll dive into the heart of the mediation process and guide you step-by-step through everything you need to know for a successful mediation, from pre-mediation to signing the final agreement. While a mediator’s skills at the table are crucial in resolving disputes, the groundwork for a successful outcome is laid during the pre-mediation phase. Before we introduce CIIAN’s 5-step mediation process, we’ll cover all the technical tasks required, from the very first engagement with a potential client to securing an agreement to mediate. We’ll also delve into mediation process design and provide you with a comprehensive checklist to ensure that you’re fully prepared to mediate professionally and tackle any obstacles that might come up during the session.

But we don’t’ stop there! In addition to the technical considerations, we’ll also focus on specific steps and actions you can take to build trust and rapport with the parties. This includes tips on how to establish yourself as a credible and impartial mediator, as well as strategies for making the mediation process more transparent and less intimidating for all involved. By the end of the week, you’ll not only have all the skills necessary to lay an incredibly solid foundation for successful talks but also a clear and practical mediation framework to guide the parties to reach a final agreement.

In Week Eight, we’ll take your mediation skills to the next level by exploring advanced topics. You’ll learn how to handle power imbalances, manage the emotional climate, and effectively use the caucus technique. We’ll also introduce CIIAN’s Essential Toolkit for mediators, which includes powerful strategies and tactics to help you navigate tricky situations and overcome common pitfalls in the mediation process.

You’ll also have the opportunity to consider the ethical considerations involved in mediations and complete our “challenge the mediator” exercise to test your ethical decision-making skills.  In Week Eight, you’ll also attend a live group session, and participate in learning labs to hone specific skills and have the chance to put your knowledge into practice through the first mediation role-playing session.

Get ready to put all your skills to the test in the final two weeks of the program! You’ll engage in live role-playing sessions and receive invaluable feedback from our experienced and knowledgeable faculty. With their guidance, you’ll have the opportunity to refine your techniques, sharpen your communication skills, and gain the confidence to navigate even the most challenging mediation scenarios.