I believe that communication majors make good mediators because we know how to listen. Even when someone isn't good at expressing themselves, communication majors are able to listen and figure out what a person is really trying to say. Rather than just come up with a quick solution, communication majors care to hear everyones side of the story and pay attention to the actual needs of everyone involved.
Although a lawyer may listen to you, it is their job to defend you and make sure you win, not necessarily resolve conflict. Because of this, lawyers are unable to effectively resolve an issue and come up with a solution to satisfy more than one person.
Psychotherapists may listen, but they also overanalyze. I believe that a psychotherapist would be better at mediating a situation better than a lawyer, but it would not be comfortable for the people involved. Every little thing would be analyzed and broken down.
I agree with everything in your post and think that you made several key points in stating your argument. One of the main differences that sets apart communication majors from lawyers, is that lawyers only defend one side, therefore; they are unable to achieve a solution that satisfies both parties involved. I also agree with your statement that psychotherapists tend to overanalyze. An effective mediator only provides limited feedback, whereas a psychotherapists job is to break down and analyze the situation, as you said. The text states also states that mediators have no decision-making power, which means that involved parties must reach a solution on their own, without the help or suggestion of a third-party.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that good communication starts from listening. I also agree with you that lawyers may not be the best mediators since they have to defend their client. Lawyers want to defend their client in order to win the case. It is their job to make sure they defend your case. Psychotherapists play a good role as mediators since they have to break down conflicts for their patients to have a better understanding. After visiting a psychotherapists, the patient should feel relieved after expressing stressing conflicts. As conflicts are broken down, the patient can easily mention each step one by one.
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