As trainers of mediators we experience a clear link and correlation between mediators’ inner development and the mediators' approach in mediations.  To illuminate how deep personal development goals can be integrated into training and practice of conflict resolution and mediation we use the framework “Inner Development Goals” (IDGs).

The IDG framework is founded in modern research which shows that the inner abilities we require to complement and accelerate our external approaches can be developed.

By integrating IDGs into mediator training, mediators can not only effectively handle and resolve conflicts but also promote deeper personal transformations that support lasting peace and cooperation.

Here is how the three central pillars (understanding conflict, the person-centered approach, and the Nordic model for peaceful coexistence) in the mediator training program at the Institute of Nordic Mediation correlate with Inner Development Goals.  

1. Conflictology According to MMCR (Understanding Conflict)

IDGs’ Relevance:

• Being: A deep understanding of conflict requires personal presence and awareness (Mindfulness). Being aware of one’s own reactions and emotions in conflict situations help mediators remain calm and effectively support the parties involved in the conflict.
  
• Thinking: Critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills, which are part of IDGs, are essential for analysing conflicts and developing creative and sustainable solutions.

2. Person-Centered Approach

IDGs’ Relevance:

• Relating: Empathy, compassion, and communication skills, which are central to the person-centered approach, are also key elements in IDGs. This strengthens the mediator’s ability to build trustful and open relationships between the parties in conflict.
• Caring: Caring for both oneself and others, which is crucial in Carl Rogers' approach, is also an IDG goal. It ensures that mediators have a fundamental respect and understanding for all involved, promoting an environment where conflict can be resolved constructively.

3. The Nordic Approach to Peaceful Co-existence

IDGs’ Relevance:

• Collaborating: The Nordic model values cooperation and inclusion, which are also central in IDGs. This supports the creation of a society where all individuals feel valued and included, reducing the potential for conflict.
• Acting: Courage and action, which are part of IDGs, are necessary to implement peaceful solutions and maintain peaceful coexistence in society.
  

IDGs further relevance for orders of solution:

• Changes of the 1st Order: This stage requires high awareness and empathy (Relating and Being) to humanize the parties in conflict, establish responsibility, and facilitate a peaceful resolution.
• Changes of the 2nd Order: Here, reflexive learning and personal development (Thinking and Being) are central to maintaining constructive relationships and learning from past conflicts.
• Changes of the 3rd Order: This requires sustained commitment and perseverance (Acting and Collaborating) to ensure that conflict resolution routines remain relevant and effective over time.
  

Sustainability - both substantial and procedural - can only be achieved by addressing the necessary changes of 1st, 2nd and 3rd order. Furthermore, we live in a volatile, disruptive world, in which we need to come up with new solutions, because we encounter new problems.

The Person of Tomorrow

The person of tomorrow will need to be, think, relate, collaborate and act differently than the person of yesterday. The person of yesterday created the abyss we are standing by and looking at. Our experience is that mediators with their attitudes of including all beings and their environment, respecting each individual and facilitating togetherness can and will be a decisive factor in creating the world of tomorrow - which starts today…