As a mediator and arbitrator, one of my main goals is to help people solve problems in a fair and respectful way. A big part of that is knowing how to move between joint sessions (where everyone meets together) and private sessions (also called caucuses). Let’s talk about why this matters and how we can do it right.
What Are Joint Sessions? In a joint session, all sides meet in the same room. This allows everyone to hear what the others have to say. It can help build trust because people see and listen to each other at the same time. But sometimes, emotions can run high, and people may hold back important information because they don’t feel safe sharing it in front of everyone.
What Are Private Sessions (Caucuses)? A private session is when the mediator or arbitrator meets with each side alone. This can be very helpful if someone needs to share things they don’t want to say in a big group. Private sessions can make people feel more comfortable, but there is also a rule: what is said in private stays private unless the speaker says it’s okay to share.
Why Is Ethics Important? Ethics means doing the right thing even when it’s hard. In mediation and arbitration, it’s about being honest, fair, and respectful of people’s secrets. When I switch from a joint session to a private session, I have to protect everyone’s trust. That means I never share private details without permission. It also means I stay neutral, so no one thinks I’m taking sides.
Best Practices for Moving Between Sessions
Explain the Process: Before we start, I tell everyone how joint and private sessions work. This helps people feel safe.
Ask for Permission: If something important comes up in a private session, I always ask if I can share it.
Stay Impartial: I make sure to treat everyone the same. I listen carefully and do not favor one person over another.
Protect Confidentiality: Anything said in a private session stays between me and the speaker unless they give me the green light to share.
By following these steps, we can keep the process fair and trustworthy. Joint and private sessions can both be powerful tools when used with honesty and care.
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