December 23, 2008

Thoughts on Impartiality

London-based mediator and former school teacher Alan Sharland explains why impartiality underpins all effective conflict resolution.
Impartiality is one of the more commonly recognised aspects of the role of the Mediator. This does not mean that the Mediator should somehow become inhuman and not have a feeling of bias towards one party or another, but that they practice in a way that minimises any manifestation of this bias. This is an important distinction to make. No-one can genuinely claim to be impartial, but they can continually review their own feelings and thoughts about someone or a situation in order to acknowledge this and then monitor, and adjust where necessary, their practice as a mediator in the light of this awareness.

His words are just as applicable to Ombuds. (Mediate.com.)

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