Question

13. Tell about a time you serve as a mediator between two peers

Answer 1

Mediating between two peers refers to ending a conflict and reaching to a mutual conclusion which is a win-win situation for both the parties. Joanna and Keith got into an ugly argument because Joanna borrowed Keith's book. However, when she returned it to him, it was damaged. Keith demanded from Joanna a new purchase of the same copy. Joanna refused because she said it was already damaged. Keith continued to pester her and said that she damaged it completely and argued that even if it was damaged she should have returned it in the same condition. As a mediator between Joanna and Keith, I asked them to agree at a mutual point. Keith's book wasn't a new one. Yes, Joanna damaged it further. However, I made both the parties to agree that Joanna and Keith would split the amount for the book because Keith's book was not new and Joanna did partly damage it. So neither Joanna has to pay the entire amount and nor Keith gets a new book. However, it was a win-win situation for the both of them. Joanna did not have to pay the entire amount and Keith was happy about getting a new book for half the price.