By Giuseppe Leone
The underlying assumption of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) programs like the one being implemented in Michigan is that going to court for settling high-volume/low-value disputes like small claims or landlord/tenant cases should not be the parties’ first option. Instead, it should be their very last option. Why? Because it would save a lot of money and time – both the parties and the courts handling their case.
This is how ODR programs typically work. To begin with, they give parties the opportunity to settle their case by themselves. That is, they can exchange messages using their smart-phone, tablet or computer – 24/7, anytime, anywhere, without taking time off work. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement on their own, no problem. At that point they can (1) seek the assistance of a neutral mediator and (2) indicate how they prefer to participate in mediation: by text, by phone, by video or, when applicable, even face-to-face/in-person.
Needless to say, all mediators who participate in an ODR program know already how to mediate face-to-face, when both parties are in his or her office. However, some mediators are not sure how they can apply their skills equally well when the parties communicate by text, by phone or by video. In other words, what should mediators be aware of and do differently when they mediate online?
For this reason, Giuseppe Leone, founder of Virtual Mediation Lab: Online Mediation Made Simple, now offers a 30-min training designed only for ODR mediators. Titled “Differences Between Face-to-Face and Online Mediation”, this new training is packed with tips and online mediation techniques, which are based on Leone’s 21-year mediation experience face-to-face and online.
For more information send an email virtualmediationlab@gmail.com or call (808) 383-4117.
Virtual Mediation Lab: Online Mediation Made Simple
https://www.virtualmediationlab.com is a project sponsored by the Association for Conflict Resolution Hawaii Chapter.
