12BB AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL FRIDAY , FEBRUARY 10 , 2017
ARBITRATION & MEDIATION
By : Stanley Zamor
Stanley Zamor , Florida Supreme Court Cer�fied Civil / Family / County Mediator / Trainer & Qualified Arbitrator
Introduc�on : A Different Approach A�er a long complex business media�on , I was approached by the Defendant ’ s a�orney , who stated that he was impressed with how I facilitated the media�on . He stated that at his level of li�ga�on , he rarely sees media�on as effec�ve as what he experienced today . He further admi�ed that he was not going to agree , that I mediate this case , but the judge ordered it , so he didn ’ t object . His clients were glad I was the mediator because I do not look like the usual mediators they see ( i . e . Caucasian
“ Diversity on the Bench , What About Diversity in Media�on ?”
AREER & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
By : Mary V . Davids
Mary V . Davids Career & Leadership Development Coach
If money was no object , what would you do for free ? I o�en begin my career coaching sessions asking this simple , yet s�mula�ng ques�on . I ’ ve found , most people generally have an idea of what they love to do , but are not quite sure of how to get there . Even if you ’ re not working in a capacity reflec�ng your ul�mate career desire , you can create a great brand re�red judges or a�orneys ). He stated that he no�ced how his clients were more involved / engaged , and he was surprised at their willingness to be amicable . I thanked him and said that I did nothing different than any other skilled mediator would have done . Our discussion rapidly delved academically deeper regarding the lack of diversity in private media�ons ; and how that may contribute to the lack of effec�veness he sees in media�on . To be clear , diversity extends beyond ethnicity and includes professional / educa�onal backgrounds . Mediators do not have to be members of the Florida bar , although most mediators are a�orneys . He stated that his clients responded to me differently because I , like them , am not an older Caucasian male a�orney and I brought something very different to the media�on process . So I now ask , does having mediators from a diverse background make for a be�er media�on process ? Is Diversity in Media�on More Important than on the Bench ?
There has been research conducted sugges�ng that there is not enough diversity
message to get you on the right path by using these seven steps :
1 . Update your LinkedIn Profile . Contrary to the majority view , looking for new opportuni�es is not the only reason to have a profile on LinkedIn . In addi�on to finding new opportuni�es , you can also use the pla�orm to highlight your career accomplishments , boost your knowledge and increase engagement with like-minded professionals .
2 . Commit to a�ending at least 3 networking events per quarter . If you want to keep your name in the conversa�on , people will need to see your face . To grow within your career , you will need to connect with people outside your organiza�on who have different perspec- �ves and experiences . Choose events that are relevant to your industry and those that draw industry leaders . A good way to prepare in advance is to look at the guest list and find out who will be there .
3 . Volunteer . Set aside �me to give back to your community . Volunteering will not only help to build your character , it will help heighten your level of empathy and emo�onal intelligence . These are necessary on the bench ; and members of the judiciary should resemble the communi�es they serve . Diversity on the bench is necessary to ensure impar�ally , public trust and confidence in the legal system . Diversity in media�on mirrors the same necessity , given the nature of the process mediators facilitate .
Diversity is important to understand because , less than 5 % of the cases filed in court go to trial . That means , 95 % are being resolved outside of court , and usually by mediators who do not resemble the communi�es around them and selected / hired through a�orney cronyism .
Please consider this : As of January 2017 there are 5737 cer�fied mediators in the State of Florida , 3282 are cer�fied Circuit Civil mediators . The noted demographic breakdown is as follows : Hispanic = 7.5 %; African-American = 3.9 %; American Indian = 0.1 % Asian = 0.7 % Other = 0.3 % Unknown = 0.2 % Caucasian 73 % Conclusion and Considera�on
7 Ways to Boost Your Brand and Career in 2017
traits you will need to strengthen if you want to become a be�er leader .
4 . Sign up for a Professional Membership . Having a professional membership ( and being ac�ve within the organiza�on ) will prove valuable in crea�ng las�ng connec�ons . Not only will it help you create credibility and boost your resume , it will also help when trying to find networking events to a�end .
5 . Do two things that scare the heck out of you ! This year is the year to stop playing it safe . It ’ s �me to get out of cruise-control mode and get into career-progression mode . Do something out of the ordinary . It could be something like taking the lead on an important project at work or finally saying yes to a public speaking gig . Whatever you choose will help you build confidence and give you an authen�c story to share when networking .
6 . Read / Listen to at least 4 books . Invest in building your professional skills and knowledge base by learning independently . Read or listen to books related to building leadership skills , selling , emo�onal intelligence and marke�ng . I recommend Drive by Daniel Pink to start .
In 2007 , the Florida Supreme Court responded to the need for diversity in media�on by amending the Rules for Cer�fied and Court Appointed Mediators to no longer restrict mediators to only be members of the Florida Bar . This was a significant change which allowed for individuals from a diverse professional / educa�onal background to become cer�fied mediators . It is undeniable that diversity in a service area creates be�er op�ons ; however , it remains the consumer ' s ’ responsibility to choose diversity .
Stanley Zamor is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit / Family / County Mediator & Trainer and Qualified Arbitrator . Mr . Zamor serves on several federal and state mediation / arbitration rosters and facilitates workshops often . He regularly lectures on a variety of topics from ethics , cross-cultural issues , diversity , bullying , and Family / Business relationships . szamor @ i-mediateconsulting . com www . i-mediateconsulting . com www . LinkedIn . com / in / stanleyzamoradr ( 954 ) 261-8600
7 . Take a vaca�on . One of the most valuable lessons I ’ ve learned is to remember this : The most important person in your life is you . When you ' re in your groove of produc�vity and goal-achieving , it can be easy to overlook the necessity of self-care . But , if you don ' t take care of you , you are chea�ng those who need you from receiving the very best of you . Giving your body and mind a rest is not only crucial to staying sane ; it is a necessity to re-energize your mind and body so you can con�nue to serve those who need you .
Mary V . Davids is an Executive Career & Leadership Development Coach and Owner of D & M Consulting Services , LLC . For career tips and advice visit www . marydavids . com or email info @ marydavids . com .
“ Do two things that scare the heck out of you ! This year is the year to stop playing it safe . It ’ s �me to get out of cruise-control mode and get into career-progression mode .”