Listed below are the top ten mediation books we have found most useful and supportive in our learning and practice.
Click on titles to link through to Amazon.
The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict
Christopher W Moore
A wealth of knowledge and experience.
Mediation for Managers
John Crawley, Katherine Graham
A goldmine of practical tips and techniques from the leaders in the field (Recommended course reading).
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
Roger Fisher, William Ury, Bruce Patton
The seminal text on a core principle in mediation: interest-based negotiation (Recommended course reading).
The Promise of Mediation
Baruch Bush, R. and Folger, J.
A classic which profoundly altered the practice and direction of mediation.
The Little Book of Conflict Transformation
Lederach, JP
A tiny jewel of a book by an eminent scholar and practitioner in the field of conflict resolution.
Difficult Conversations
Stone D, Patton D, Heen S
Works as a self-help book and also gives mediators insight into how conflict is fuelled by the way we talk.
Getting Past No: Negotiating with Difficult People
William Ury
A book to help people see beyond and reframe the limiting label ´difficult´.
Resolving Personal and Organizational Conflict
Kenneth Cloke, Joan Goldsmith
Full of useful case studies on a range of topics including workplace mediation.
The Mediator´s Handbook
Jennifer E. Beer, Eileen Stief, Friends Conflict Resolution Programs
A popular book for trainee mediators – focuses largely on community contexts.
Non-Violent Communication
Marshall B Rosenberg
Many mediators are passionate about Rosenberg´s approach. Like ´Difficult Conversations´ he unpicks and rebuilds the mechanics of how we talk with each other.
Ken Cloke
Ideal for trained or experienced mediators. As much about self-awareness as practical tips and strategies.
For trained mediators see also Narrative Mediation by Monk & Winslade, Bringing Peace into the Room by Bowling & Hoffman.
Please note much information in the market place is now influenced by civil & commercial mediation. This is a dispute settlement process with its roots in evaluative mediation. Settlement, bargaining and compromise are very different processes to win-win mediation. Please note many professional mediators do not understand the differences between these terms. Good mediation resources which focus on facilitation, win-win outcomes and transformation are hard to find.
To develop and grow as a mediator
- Secure regular case work to avoid skill fade. As a guide, 1 case a month for maintenance, 2-4 cases for growth.
- Conflict is a great teacher, you can learn much from people in conflict – maintain your reflective practice and keep a focus on self-awareness.
- Supervision is one of the most effective ways of growing as a mediator.
- Co-mediate when you can and be part of a peer network to sharpen and diversify your skills.
For more on Mediator Supervision see – here.
How to develop and grow your mediation business see – here.
Advanced mediation training see – here and here.
