Negotiation is an integral skill in daily life, and this also includes mediation. The meaning of the term “negotiation” is different to people of various ages. Rhino Mediation is a company that specializes in peaceful dispute resolution. They are proven to succeed in negotiating with children. The critical element in the negotiation is the questions you ask. By asking the right kind of questions, a mediator could obtain more insight into a child’s perspective and start negotiating from that point. We will discuss essential inquiries a negotiator should ask a child during a negotiation to reach an agreement successfully.
What is important to the child?
A negotiator’s initial inquiry to a child should be about their needs or wants. This inquiry should be non-judgmental. This is important because children feel their opinions are heard and understood. A negotiator can create a sense of trust, respect, and empathy for a child by letting them know they are being heard. The results benefit everyone in the negotiation, and the likelihood of positive outcomes is increased.
What is the child’s thought about the issue?
The next query should be about the child’s thoughts on the issue. The negotiator can learn a lot about the child from this inquiry. Children view things differently from adults, and the mediator can adapt their approach to the child’s thoughts. This inquiry assists the intermediary in determining what to prioritize in the negotiation.
What is the child’s understanding of the problem?
In any negotiation, it is crucial that everyone understands the issues involved. Therefore, the mediator should ask the child to explain what they comprehend about the situation. The mediator can make sure that none of its understanding or context is lost. Additionally, it enables the mediator to explain the situation in terms the child can understand and assist in making rational decisions in the negotiation.
What are the possible options?
After a child has expressed their needs and their understanding of the issue, it’s time to start thinking about possible solutions. A mediator can prepare a list of possible options that the two sides can use as a starting point for their negotiation. By providing the child with different choices, the mediator can ensure that the negotiation is not one-sided. It is up to the child to pick a solution they think will work best for them.
What are the criteria for an agreement?
Once an agreement has been reached, it’s important to define it. A mediator should ask what the child believes should be included in their agreement. This could include some compromises that would result in greater cooperation. The mediator must ensure that the agreement is written in explicit terms, even a simple agreement can be tough to enforce if both parties do not agree to clear frameworks.
Empowering Children in Negotiations
Negotiating with children can be an excellent process. By asking the right kind of inquiries, a mediator can establish trust and empathy with the child, creating a more productive negotiation. Rhino Mediation provides successful negotiations with children, and these critical elements they use can be applied by anyone to reach an agreement with a child. By understanding a child’s needs, thoughts, and options, a mediator can guide a dispute resolution to a successful conclusion.
