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STEP 3
Structure and Analyze the Experience
Once the interview has been conducted, the next step in debriefing a mediator is to structure, analyze, and digest the case-and check back with the mediator for accuracy. Usually the interviewer does this, as he or she is most familiar with the material. Other people who know the case or the mediation methodology, typically from within the same organization, may help the interviewer fine-tune the document and sharpen the analysis. A write-up of the rough interview notes and initial structuring of the material after the first interview helps to highlight gaps that have to be filled in a second or third interview. The decision when to show the write-up of the interview to the mediator to check for accuracy depends on the sensitivity of the material and quality of the product. The better edited the draft given to the mediator, the more respect it shows for the mediator's time.
The debriefing document need not be the only document that analyzes the mediator's experience. Some organizations and interviewers encourage mediators to pick up a pen or keyboard.
As Connie Peck notes: "Since lessons learned from mediation are so valuable to the development of mediation theory and practice, interviewers may also wish to encourage mediators to write their own accounts of their mediation experience for publication (either as a book or article). In some cases, they may be reluctant to do so, but several mediators have written accounts of their experience and these provide valuable insight for those interested in developing mediation theory and practice." 7
Structure the Text
Structuring the text is the first step of analysis. The structure should be tailored to suit the target audience as well as the length and format of the final document. The interviewer has to be aware of which details mentioned by the mediator are pivo