A study report on mediators is, “Becoming the change we wish to see: The unexpected benefits of conflict resolution work,” by Susan Raines, published January 2018 in Conflict Resolution Quarterly, at 319-327.
The author begins the study report like this:
- “Gather any group of mediators, ombuds, relief workers, or others in the various practice areas of conflict resolution” and “you will hear amazing stories of hard work and transformation”;
- Such stories often include anecdotes on how the practitioners, themselves, have transformed; and
- Such transformations are “an unexpected benefit of the repeated practice of conflict resolution skills and processes.”
The author delves deeper into the ways in which conflict resolution practitioners are being transformed.
Note: The author uses the terms “peace work” and “peace workers” as referring to “the work of mediators, ombuds,” and the like.
Prior Research
A couple prior studies investigate the possibility of a “peace virus”—the idea that:
- disputants learn communication and conflict resolution skills during their participation in mediation; and
- these new skills:
- empower them to resolve their own conflicts more fruitfully in the future; and
- then, catch on and spread through society like a “peace virus.”
What those studies demonstrate is:
- individuals receiving mediation training and experience as peer mediators (or those who repeatedly participate in mediation as disputants) sometimes gain critical knowledge and skills that empower them to prevent and resolve their own conflicts in the future; but
- there is no evidence of a broader peace virus.
Other studies examine broader impacts but, generally, do not delve deeply into the ways in which mediation changes the worldview or personal interactions of the peace workers.
The author’s study seeks to fill this knowledge gap.
Methods and Data
This is a simple study, posing only these five questions to twelve peace worker experts:
- Describe your work in the conflict resolution.
- How has your work changed others and changed you, if at all?
- What is easy/hard about your work?
- What coping strategies or other advice do you have for those who do work like yours?
- What advice do you have for others who choose to pursue a career in conflict resolution?
The twelve participants include:
- seven mediators from various areas of practice (including divorce/family, environmental, international, and general practice);
- a university-based ombuds;
- two employees from international humanitarian organizations; and
- two conflict management specialists working in healthcare settings.
Of those twelve, three teach university courses in addition to their practitioner work, seven are women and five are men. All spent many years as peace workers: Three for 5–10 years, one for 11–20 years, six for 21–30 years, and two for more than 30 years.
What follows are samplings of responses in the study.
How Our Work Changes Us?
The core question of this study is “How has your work changed you?” All participants share a belief that their work changes them in important and unexpected ways. For example:
- “I am a better teacher and have more patience as a result of doing this work.”
- “Made me face diversity.”
- “I feel more grateful. When we see others going through difficult, life-altering conflicts, it reminds me to be grateful for all that I have.”
Some respondents share feedback they receive from family and friends. For example:
- “my family would say I have a predisposition to this type of work” but also that “I communicate better overall and have modeled some effective communication behaviors with them as well.”
- “I am a better listener and more open to other’s viewpoints; I am better able to ask questions that do not challenge or judge which keeps the conversation on-going.”
- One respondent joked that her family has periodically said, “Stop using your mediation techniques on us and just fight already!” +
How Our Work Changes Others?
Here are samples of comments on how participants believe their work changes others.
- “Clients can move forward in their lives and are generally happier; students learn valuable life skills.”
- “my work has frequently and profoundly supported a change in disputants.”
- “There is increased interest and awareness in humanitarian work.”
What I Like Best About My Work
Nearly all conflict resolution practitioners say this work is hard, but they do it because it matters and because it needs doing. Here are some specific responses.
- “Helping others learn more about themselves and others; helping them resolve long-standing conflicts so life is easier.”
- “Coaching is the best part of my work; I like working with people one-on-one.”
- “I like the handshake or occasional hug at the session’s end.”
What is Hardest Part of My Work?
Peace makers share key challenges and frustrations, such as:
- “Dealing with the emotional dysfunction that I encounter in divorce mediation and divorce coaching.”
- “Dealing with people in conflict who think they already know all there is to know so are not open to learning about others.”
- “Managing stress.”
Why Do I Do This Work?
There are many other helping professions they could have selected. Why choose peace work? Here are some responses.
- “I am called to do this work.”
- “The work I do, I feel, makes a difference in how people view conflict. I do the work to impact relationships.”
- “The world needs peace makers.”
What is Your Advice for Coping and Self-Care?
Here are samples of the advice given on coping and self-care.
- “Acquire strong peers and colleagues for de-briefing and support. Keep learning. Find outside activities that reduce stress—sports, meditation, etc.”
- “Talk/share your practice experiences with others.”
- “Embrace the change, versatility, options. Grow with it. Every 6 months there will be new knowledge that will change how you do your job.”
What Advice for People Considering a Career Like Yours?
Here are some advice responses on choosing a peace making career.
- “Obtain a lot of training, mentoring, and supervised practice before diving in.”
- “Consider different styles of practice to determine which is most compatible with you.”
- “I wish they knew that conflict A) is a matter of perspective; B) is sometimes necessary; and C) it is the role of practitioners to help the parties find some common ground.”
Implications
The author identifies these implications from the study:
- benefits to clients are the core goal of peace maker work; but
- the responses above show something else that’s important—inner transformations occurring within the practitioners;
- peace work is not always lucrative and, still, it can be a highly competitive industry, with dozens of applications for every mediator roster opening; and
- the peace work itself has benefits, such as the joy that comes from helping others and seeing oneself change in positive ways.
Conclusion
The author concludes the study report with these comments:
- the study’s findings give credence to the old adage that practice makes perfect;
- by using and modeling mediation skills through peace maker work, those skills become habitual; and
- many peace makers become the change the wish to see in the world.
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