David Goleman's Emotional Intelligence (EI) applied in mediation - a practical guide

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. In the context of mediation, a mediator with high EI would be able to use their emotional intelligence skills to help resolve disputes and find mutually beneficial solutions for all parties involved.

One of the key benefits of emotional intelligence in mediation is the ability to recognize and acknowledge the emotions of all parties involved in the dispute. This can help to build trust and create a safe space for open communication. By recognizing and acknowledging the emotions of the parties, the mediator can help to validate their feelings and show that their concerns are being heard. This can help to defuse tension and create a more positive and productive atmosphere for the mediation process.

Another important aspect of emotional intelligence in mediation is the ability to understand the underlying emotions and needs of all parties. This can help the mediator to identify common ground and potential areas of compromise. By understanding the emotions and needs of the parties, the mediator can help to facilitate communication and find solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved. This can be particularly important when dealing with complex or high-stakes disputes, where emotions can run high, and it can be difficult to find common ground.

Managing one's own emotions is also an important aspect of emotional intelligence in mediation. A mediator with high EI will be able to maintain a neutral and impartial stance and avoid becoming emotionally invested in any one side of the dispute. This is important to ensure that the mediation process remains fair and unbiased, and that the outcome is in the best interest of all parties involved.

Empathy and active listening skills are also key elements of emotional intelligence in mediation. A mediator with high EI will be able to use these skills to defuse tension and help the parties to communicate effectively. Through empathy, the mediator can understand the perspective of each party, and through active listening, they can ensure that all parties are heard and understood. This can help to create a more collaborative and productive atmosphere for the mediation process.

Overall, emotional intelligence can play a crucial role in the mediation process. A mediator with high EI will be able to recognize and acknowledge the emotions of all parties, understand the underlying emotions and needs of all parties, manage their own emotions, and use empathy and active listening skills to defuse tension and help the parties to communicate effectively. As a result, the mediation process can become more effective in resolving disputes and finding mutually beneficial solutions for all parties involved.

Géza Lauturner is a senior executive in a global IT company, management consultant, and a registered mediator out of passion and conviction, more at www.lauturner.at .