Mediation and Dialogue Facilitation Techniques Training Course

Introduction

Effective mediation and dialogue facilitation are indispensable skills for transforming conflict and fostering understanding in diverse settings, from interpersonal disputes to high-stakes political negotiations. This 5-day training course on Mediation and Dialogue Facilitation Techniques provides participants with a comprehensive toolkit of strategies and practical skills to guide parties through difficult conversations, build consensus, and achieve mutually acceptable outcomes. Participants will gain deep insights into the dynamics of conflict, the principles of effective communication, and the art of creating safe and constructive spaces for dialogue, regardless of the complexity or intensity of the issues at hand.

This intensive program is designed for peacebuilding practitioners, mediators, negotiators, community leaders, human resources professionals, diplomats, and anyone seeking to enhance their ability to manage conflict and facilitate productive dialogue. It will equip attendees with methodologies for active listening, reframing, managing emotions, and designing inclusive processes that empower participants to find their own solutions. By mastering these critical techniques, participants will be empowered to navigate challenging conversations, bridge divides, and contribute effectively to conflict resolution and peacebuilding in their professional and personal lives.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience:

  • Peacebuilding practitioners and program managers
  • Mediators and aspiring mediators
  • Negotiators and diplomats
  • Community leaders and organizers
  • Human Resources professionals and managers
  • Trainers and facilitators
  • Civil Society Organization (CSO) leaders
  • Government officials involved in conflict resolution
  • Anyone seeking to improve communication and conflict management skills

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Define mediation and dialogue facilitation and understand their core principles.
  • Analyze conflict dynamics and identify key barriers to effective communication.
  • Apply a range of practical techniques for facilitating constructive dialogue and negotiation.
  • Understand the role of the mediator/facilitator in building trust and managing emotions.
  • Design and manage inclusive mediation and dialogue processes for various conflict contexts.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Mediation and Dialogue Facilitation

  • Defining mediation, facilitation, negotiation, and their distinctions.
  • The purpose and benefits of mediation and dialogue in conflict transformation.
  • Core principles: impartiality, neutrality (where applicable), confidentiality, voluntariness.
  • The role and qualities of an effective mediator/facilitator.
  • Ethical considerations in mediation and dialogue.

Module 2: Understanding Conflict Dynamics

  • Analyzing the nature of conflict: types, levels, and intensity.
  • Identifying drivers of conflict: needs, interests, values.
  • The role of power dynamics in conflict.
  • Communication breakdowns as a source and symptom of conflict.
  • Recognizing conflict stages and readiness for dialogue.

Module 3: Essential Communication Skills for Facilitators

  • Active listening: deep listening, paraphrasing, summarizing.
  • Effective questioning techniques: open-ended, probing, clarifying.
  • Non-verbal communication: reading and utilizing body language.
  • Managing emotions in dialogue: de-escalation, empathy, validation.
  • Reframing and neutralizing language to foster constructive discourse.

Module 4: The Mediation Process: Phases and Techniques

  • Pre-mediation: assessment, party preparation, ground rules.
  • Opening Statement: setting the stage, building rapport, establishing credibility.
  • Information Gathering: active listening, identifying issues and interests.
  • Issue Identification and Framing: moving from positions to interests.
  • Option Generation and Negotiation: brainstorming, creative problem-solving.
  • Agreement Drafting and Closure: reaching mutually acceptable solutions, building commitment.

Module 5: Dialogue Facilitation Techniques

  • Designing effective dialogue processes: objectives, participants, venue.
  • Structuring conversations for maximum engagement and productivity.
  • Managing group dynamics: dealing with difficult participants, power imbalances.
  • Consensus building and decision-making techniques in group settings.
  • Facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues in complex environments.

Module 6: Addressing Challenges in Mediation and Dialogue

  • Dealing with strong emotions, anger, and resistance.
  • Managing power imbalances and ensuring fair processes.
  • Overcoming communication barriers and cultural differences.
  • Handling non-compliance and broken agreements.
  • When to co-mediate or bring in expert resources.

Module 7: Specialized Applications and Contexts

  • Community mediation and local conflict resolution.
  • Workplace mediation and dispute resolution.
  • Integrating mediation into peace processes (e.g., Track II dialogue).
  • Mediating inter-group or identity-based conflicts.
  • Online and remote mediation challenges and opportunities.

Module 8: Practice, Self-Reflection, and Continuous Improvement

  • Practical mediation and facilitation role-plays and simulations.
  • Receiving constructive feedback and peer coaching.
  • Self-assessment of facilitation strengths and areas for development.
  • Developing a personal code of conduct for mediators/facilitators.
  • Strategies for continuous learning and professional development in the field.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

 

Mediation And Dialogue Facilitation Techniques Training Course in Kenya
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