At the most basic level, and as required by the Model Standards of Conduct developed by the AAA, ABA and ACR, you are entitled to a mediator who is impartial, competent, free from conflicts of interest, bound to maintain confidentiality and works to maintain the quality of the process.
Beyond the basics, a bit about me personally. My passion for taekwondo galvanized me to earn a third degree black belt. At least three days a week, I practice TKD, and at the beginning of class, we recite this creed to inspire our work:
“My work is a reflection of myself. My execution of martial arts technique is also a reflection of myself. In whatever productive work I do, I will create a masterpiece. It will reflect my genius and virtuosity. In all things, I will work most seriously, intelligently and wholeheartedly. To it, I commit my soul, my body and spirit, and even my whole life’s fortune. I am a doer, a venturer, a winner.” [Louisville TaeKwonDo Family Center Student Creed]
These martial arts principles also inform my professional life. I believe you are entitled to more than the basics. You should demand a mediator who is empathetic, attentive and hard working. You should demand a mediator who can be patient as well as persistent, has a pre-mediation command of the issues, and actively pushes all sides to reexamine their positions when required. You should demand a mediator who can communicate with people from all walks of life and is willing to listen. You should demand a mediator who is committed to the process and who will work seriously, intelligently and wholeheartedly to get the job done. That is the type of mediator I strive to be.
