Interview by Angela Herberholz, Co-Founder and Director of YMI and IMI Board Member
Introduction:
The International Mediation Institute’s Young Mediators Initiative (IMI-YMI) Mentoring Framework has been instrumental in shaping the professional development of mediators worldwide. In a recent interview with mediator Sara Gunathilaka who completed the mentoring experience with Mr. Aloysius Goh, we gain valuable insights into the transformative nature of the framework and its impact on the young mediator’s career. This article highlights the key learnings, implementations, challenges, and future milestones, inviting more mediators to participate in the IMI-YMI Mentoring Framework.
This framework enables YMI members to access a network of highly experienced conflict management professionals and a framework for mentoring. It supports the next generation of ADR professionals and helps YMI members to progress on their IMI Career Path to full Certification. Mentees who are required to have a minimum of 40 hours of training (via either an IMI Certified Mediator Training Program (CMTP) or a non-CMTP), adopt the IMI Code of Professional Conduct, and comply with the same rules and confidentiality obligations as mentors.
Holistic Approach: A Path to Successful Mediation
One crucial aspect Sara’s IMI-YMI mentor, Mr. Goh, emphasized throughout the mentoring experience was the value of a holistic approach to mediation. Sara learned that a mix of mediation approaches, including facilitative, evaluative, and transformative, can be more effective than strictly adhering to one approach. This flexibility helps avoid deadlocks in the dispute resolution process and ensures the parties’ best interests are served. By embracing this insight, the mentee has been able to achieve positive outcomes in various mediation cases.
Advocacy Work: Promoting Mediation in Sri Lanka
Mr Goh’s guidance on advocacy work has been instrumental in empowering Sara to promote mediation in Sri Lanka. The mentoring sessions involved discussions and evaluations of different strategic approaches to raised awareness and acceptance of mediation in the country. Sara has already undertaken advocacy work, including delivering training and lectures on mediation and dispute resolution to lawyers, students, and professionals in the construction sector. This experience has been pivotal in designing and implementing a mentorship program and a commercial mediation pilot program under a donor funded project, contributing to the development and expansion of mediation practices in Sri Lanka.
Professional Development: Observing and Learning
The mentoring experience provided Sara with unique opportunities for professional growth. One highlight was the chance to observe a day-long mediation session in Singapore, arranged by Mr. Goh. Through live observation and subsequent debriefs, she gained valuable insights and practical knowledge. Additionally, the mentee completed two mediation courses offered by Sage Mediation, Mr. Goh’s center, which led to accreditation under SIMI (Singapore International Mediation Institute). These experiences have been pivotal in shaping the mentee’s journey as a skilled and accredited mediator.
Overcoming Challenges: Investing in Distance
Undoubtedly, one of the challenges encountered during the mentoring journey was the physical distance between the mentee and the mentor. However, Sara considers this challenge well worth investing in, given the immense experience and growth gained. The mentoring framework’s benefits far outweighed the logistical hurdles, proving that dedication and commitment can transcend geographical boundaries.
Future Milestones: Expanding Mediation Services and Research
Looking ahead, Sara’s next milestones encompass a wide range of initiatives. Firstly, upon completion of her Ph.D. in mediation and human rights, she aims to provide professional mediation services in Sri Lanka and abroad through her established platform, UDECIDE. Additionally, Sara plans to expand mediation and negotiation training in Sri Lanka, contributing to the growth of the field. Furthermore, she aspires to contribute to the development of research and publications on mediation and dispute resolution, creating a dispute resolution-friendly ecosystem worldwide.
Conclusion:
The IMI-YMI Mentorship Framework has proven to be an invaluable resource for mediators seeking professional growth and development. Through the firsthand account of Sara, we have witnessed the transformative impact of the framework, enabling the acquisition of knowledge, implementation of skills, and the promotion of mediation worldwide. By encouraging more mediators to participate in this mentoring framework, IMI-YMI paves the way for an amicable dispute resolution ecosystem globally, fostering understanding, collaboration, and positive outcomes for all parties involved.
