Copyright 2005 Susanne Terry Do not copy or reprint without permission

COMPARISON OF THE ROLES OF THE MEDIATOR AND THE REFLECTIVE DEBRIEFER

MEDIATOR REFLECTIVE DEBRIEFER

Belief in parties Belief in mediator

Self determination is goal Self-determination is goal

Ask questions Ask questions

Frame Frame

Holds a mirror Holds a mirror

Parties determine outcome Focus person determines outcome

We do not give the answer We do not give the answer

Curiosity Curiosity

How can I help you? How can I help you?

They are the experts They are the experts

May share some observations May share some observations

Encourages Encourages

Builds trust Builds trust

Casts doubt Casts doubt

Reduces defensiveness Reduces defensiveness

Opens the door to options Opens the door to options

Opportunity for work at deeper level Opportunity for work at deeper level

Invites self revelation Invites self revelation

Invites personal growth Invites personal growth

Encourages careful analysis Encourages careful analysis

It’s not my problem It’s not my problem

You did it You did it

Never works harder than parties Never works harder than parties