What makes a good mediator great? Most of us believe that experience alone builds skills and ability. That’s not true — we become competent by learning from our practice experiences. What do we do when faced with a surprising or puzzling situation—when a settlement falls apart, bias is alleged, outcomes seem flawed, or a case lingers in our minds?

These challenges are common for new mediators and arise even for the most experienced. Michael Lang shares how reflective practice makes use of puzzling practice situations to become more resourceful and effective. Experience matters, and what matters even more is learning from our experiences.

About the Speaker
Michael Lang has spent more than 45 years immersed in mediation—as a practitioner, educator, author, and champion of the field. He is widely recognized as one of the voices who helped shape mediation into a distinct and respected profession As a mediator, Michael’s work ranges from helping divorcing couples and families, to conflicts in workplaces.

Teaching and mentoring have always been central to his career. He has designed and led a wide variety of basic and advanced trainings in mediation and conflict management for courts, organizations, and university programs across the United States and around the world.

Michael has served on boards and in officer roles for numerous local, regional, state, and national conflict resolution organizations. His colleagues often turn to him for his long view of how the field has grown and where it is heading.

Together with Susanne Terry, Michael co-founded and now directs The Reflective Practice Institute International. Through 14 group leaders, the Institute hosts 12 ongoing monthly reflective practice groups with more than 120 mediators from nine countries, creating a global learning community devoted to thoughtful, reflective work.