Synopses & Reviews
In this definitive guide, Forrest Mosten-an internationally recognized mediation expert-helps would-be mediators answer the critical question "Do I have the values, skills, personality, and commitment necessary to mediate?"
Step-by-step, Mosten helps aspiring mediators tackle such difficult decisions as whether or not to go to law school and how to choose the right academic conflict resolution programs. Throughout the book, he shows how to create a unique mediation "signature" based on personal vision, define potential markets and needs, and develop a mediation-friendly office and staff. He also explains the nuts-and-bolts of a mediation practice and describes how to launch and maintain a private practice, create a viable business plan, and manage the budget of capital/time investment and operating expenses. A comprehensive resource, the book also explores a wealth of timely topics including the need to establish standards of the profession, how to maintain confidentiality, the pros and cons of co-mediation, and the place of mediation in the process of court and law reform.
Straightforward and reader-friendly, the Mediation Career Guide is filled with practice tips, self-surveys, diagrams, reading resources, a list of training programs and volunteer opportunities, budget forms, and model standards of conduct. This hands-on resource is designed to make the challenging journey of becoming a peacemaker a one-step-at-a-time manageable process.
Review
In this definitive guide, Forrest Mosten-an internationally recognized mediation expert-helps would-be mediators answer the critical question "Do I have the values, skills, personality, and commitment necessary to mediate?"
Step-by-step, Mosten helps aspiring mediators tackle such difficult decisions as whether or not to go to law school and how to choose the right academic conflict resolution programs. Throughout the book, he shows how to create a unique mediation "signature" based on personal vision, define potential markets and needs, and develop a mediation-friendly office and staff. He also explains the nuts-and-bolts of a mediation practice and describes how to launch and maintain a private practice, create a viable business plan, and manage the budget of capital/time investment and operating expenses. A comprehensive resource, the book also explores a wealth of timely topics including the need to establish standards of the profession, how to maintain confidentiality, the pros and cons of co-mediation, and the place of mediation in the process of court and law reform.
Straightforward and reader-friendly, the Mediation Career Guideis filled with practice tips, self-surveys, diagrams, reading resources, a list of training programs and volunteer opportunities, budget forms, and model standards of conduct. This hands-on resource is designed to make the challenging journey of becoming a peacemaker a one-step-at-a-time manageable process.
"This volume anticipates and answers all the practical questions about becoming a mediator and provides a map for those interested in successfully traveling the mediation path." —Jay Folberg, professor of law and mediator, University of San Francisco and past president, Academy of Family Mediators and Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
"For all aspiring mediators who have asked the question "How do I make mediation my career?" this book is for you.'" —Bernard Mayer, partner, CDR Associates, Boulder, Colorado, and author of The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution
"A complete (how is it that he misses nothing?) and practical guide filled with brilliant ideas, useful tools, 'just go do it' insights, and invaluable advice for all." —Daniel Bowling, executive director, Association for Conflict Resolution
Review
"This volume anticipates and answers all the practical questions about becoming a mediator and provides a map for those interested in successfully traveling the mediation path." (Jay Folberg, professor of law and mediator, University of San Francisco and past president, Academy of Family Mediators and Association of Family and Conciliation Courts)
"For all aspiring mediators who have asked the question "How do I make mediation my career?" this book is for you.'"(Bernard Mayer, partner, CDR Associates, Boulder, Colorado, and author of The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution )
"A complete (how is it that he misses nothing?) and practical guide filled with brilliant ideas, useful tools, 'just go do it' insights, and invaluable advice for all."(Daniel Bowling, executive director, Association for Conflict Resolution)
Recommended Book of the Month (November): Mediation Career Guide by Forrest S. Mosten. If you have ever considered trying to make mediation your day job, this is the book to buy and read. It will help you decide if you have the skills, personality and commitment necessary to become a full-time mediator. It starts by pointing out the time and difficulty three famouse mediators had in establishing their careers (Mosten, Meirding and Melamed) and then gives further examples. It has self assesment materials (usefull ones, not fluff) and contains a solid, direct and applied set of tools for marketing your practice, considering your options, and developing yourself as a mediator. NOT merely a collection of handouts, previous materials or musings, well edited and complete. (Stephen R. Marsh, a mediator in Dallas, Texas. http://adrr.com/index.htm ADR Resources)
"This book applies useful advice about operating a professional services business to the special needs of mediators and is thus a valuable resource to both new and seasoned practitioners. (Virginia Mediation Network News, 1/02)
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 285-288) and index. "Books on mediation theory and practice": p. 248-252.
About the Author
Forrest "Woody" Mosten is an attorney, mediator, author, and educator who provides training, services,and resources to mediators in hundreds of workshops and seminars across the country through his national network of Mosten Mediation Centers and Mosten Mediation Training courses. He is also an original partner in the groundbreaking firm of Jacoby and Meyers. Woody Mosten has been honored for his work as a leading trainer and practitioner in the field of conflict resolution by the American Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the Beverly Hills Bar Association. He is the author of The Complete Guide to Mediation (ABA , 1997), and Operating a Profitable Mediation Practice (self-published, 1998). His pioneering work in mediation has also been covered in publications worldwide. He can be reached at www.MostenMediation.com
Table of Contents
Preface.
PART ONE: Is Mediation Right for You?
1. Can Mediation Be Your Day Job?
2. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Mediator?
3. Can You Do the Work?
4. Education and Training.
5. Job Opportunities in Mediation.
PART TWO: Building Your Career as a Mediator.
6. Creating Your Mediation Signature.
7. Expanding Your Mediation Services.
8. Defining Your Target Market.
9. Creating a Mediation-Friendly Environment.
PART THREE: The Nuts and Bolts of Private Practice.
10. Setting Up Your Office.
11. Strategic Planning and Investing in Yourself.
12. Managing Your Practice.
13. Marketing Your Practice Effectively.
14. What Do You Do Next Monday?
EPILOGUE: The Evolving Field of Mediation.
APPENDIX 1: Mediator Self-Survey.
APPENDIX 2: Professional Standards and Model Legislation.
APPENDIX 3: Mediation Training and Educational Programs.
APPENDIX 4: Books and Resources.
APPENDIX 5: Mediation Organizations.
APPENDIX 6: Sample Opportunities in Conflict Resolution.
APPENDIX 7: Sample Budget Forms.
APPENDIX 8: Sample Practice Forms.
APPENDIX 9: Mediation Pledge.
Notes.
About the Author.
Index.