Communication is a tough subject to wrap your head around. As a communications major myself, I find it extremely hard to pinpoint a place to begin the search for what it is. There are so many aspects to the whole idea of communication. When it comes to a small bracket in Comm, the role of a mediator should be a good role for a Comm major. The mediator is defined as a neutral third party who has no decision-making power regarding the outcome of the mediations. Communications majors should be good mediators because we fiercefully study the main functions and skills a mediator should have. For example, as a mediator, we can accommodate both parties efficiently because we are viewing their communication from the outside in. We study interpersonal relationships thoroughly and have a different perspective than non-communications major. Being a mediator, you are to create a safe and constructive environment to encourage the disputants to communicate, cooperate, and work out their own mutually satisfying solution. Saying that all Comm majors should be good mediators is not efficient. A lot of it depends on personality, but quite honestly, if you have not taken a course such as this one that deals with conflict, I think you miss out on a lot of what a mediator is. An example would be a lawyer. When working with a client and you have to take their case, you have to be bias with the situation and fight for them, and not necessarily what is right for justice. When you are a mediator, justice is the main factor.
I agree with you that saying that all communication majors should be good mediators is a little bit of a stretch. You make a good point by saying that without the knowledge that we’re receiving in this class about conflict resolution and mediation how is one supposed to have the tools to be a good mediator. There are many roles that one can assume when it comes to communication and the interpersonal relationships that we have with other people. Furthermore, I like how you pointed out that a lawyer fights for the side that their representing, not necessarily for the side that is just. Where a mediator has one thing in mind, justice.
ReplyDeleteI agree that not all communication majors are automatically good mediators. However, communication majors go through the proper training and skills needed to eventually become good mediators. We are taught not to pass judgment and to keep an open mind while dealing with different types of people. You state that, “Being a mediator, you are to create a safe and constructive environment to encourage the disputants to communicate, cooperate, and work out their own mutually satisfying solution.” Rather than focus on personal feelings or interests, it is the job of the mediator to fight for justice. This differentiates us from lawyers because it is a lawyer’s job to fight for their client, not necessarily what is right.
ReplyDeleteYeah we might not realize it at the time but the skills we are learning are valuable in the editor field. We learn so many different parts of the puzzle that when we step back and look at it we have all the pieces needed to be successful at a mediator role. Most of us probably already are doing this in our lives.
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